Great Britain’s women made history with their first-ever Olympic gold medal after beating the Netherlands 2-0 on shootout. The teams had traded goals in a pulsating 3-3 draw but with the pressure on in the shootout Hollie Webb held her nerve to slot home the winner, sparking jubilant scenes for Danny Kerry’s side and their passionate travelling army of fans.

Hollie Webb scored the winning shoot out. (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

In an action-packed match the Netherlands could have gone ahead in the seventh minute, as they were awarded a penalty stroke. The fearless Maddie Hinch stood firm and guessed right, repelling Maartje Paumen’s shot with her gloves.

Two minutes later the Dutch were made to rue that miss as Sophie Bray carved open the defence with some sublime individual skills. Although Joyce Sombroek saved the initial shot Lily Owsley pounced to slot home the opener. Paumen tried her luck from a penalty corner just before the break but the goalkeeper saved well from the Oranje skipper.

The second quarter got off to the worst possible start for Danny Kerry’s side. Kitty Van Male was set free by Lideweij Welten and produced a fine finish to level the scores. Hinch and the defence were under immense pressure but despite the scare of a Naomi Van As thunderbolt coming back off the bar they stood firm.

Six minutes before the break, Paumen took an alternative route to goal and managed to beat Hinch with a low shot from a penalty corner. The lead lasted just moments. The passion and power of Danny Kerry’s warriors levelled the contest. Giselle Ansley’s pass into the circle broke to Crista Cullen who slammed the ball past Sombroek for her 58^th international goal.

Lily Owsley celebrates (Photo Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Caia Van Maasakker tested the Great Britain defence from two penalty corners but as before, Danny Kerry’s team defended like lions and kept Alyson Annan’s side at bay. On 37 minutes the Oranje pressure finally paid off with a well worked set piece allowing Van Male to grab her second. The defence creaked under pressure but some courageous play by Laura Unsworth held the orange tide at bay.

The final quarter was charged with tension and drama and after some superb teamwork between the GB forwards, Danny Kerry’s team forced their first penalty corner. The slip move found Unsworth whose pass was half blocked but Nicola White showed terrific awareness to pounce and slot home the equaliser. The determination of Kerry’s side ensured there were no more goals and it was time for a shootout.

Nicola White makes it 3-3. (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

The first two for each side were saved as Hinch and Sombroek showed why they are regarded as two of the best around. Laurien Leurink was denied by an incredible save from Hinch and then Bray was brought down by the goalkeeper on the next, resulting in a penalty stroke. Despite the noise from the Dutch fans Helen Richardson-Walsh showed nerves of steel to fire home. A further miss apiece for each side meant it was down to Webb to win it, which she duly did for the brave Great Britain side.

Danny Kerry, Great Britain Coach:

“We know we’re good at shootouts. We have some tough competitors and probably the best goalie in the world in shootouts. As soon as it went there I knew we would win.”

“Today we had to defend, we had to dig trenches, but we changed things in the last quarter and it paid off.

GB Olympic champions. (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

“Eight of the group are multiple Olympians and we needed that experience today.”

Maddie Hinch, Great Britain goalkeeper:

“That was a huge team effort. The Dutch are a fantastic side. We definitely back ourselves in the shootout. Goalkeeping has its highs and lows. You can be a villain, but you can also be a hero in the moment.”

“It helped that the Dutch had a shootout in their semi-final, so that gave me a chance to see what they do, but I basically give myself a game plan for each player and I execute that and thankfully it worked. Thankfully the Dutch did what I thought they would do.”

“3-3, what a great advert for hockey. That’s what we want to do, showcase our sport and I’m so pleased it was a good game.”

Nicola White, Great Britain forward said:

“This is what we dreamed of and now we’ve got it. No-one can ever take that away from us.”

“We’ve now gone unbeaten through an Olympic tournament, which is unreal. It’s the first time we’ve been to the final, so for us we’re over the moon.

“We always knew it was going to be very close but physically we stuck to it. We really put the legwork in to try and get them on the counter and get up the pitch.”

Great Britain 3 (2)
Lily Owsley 9 (FG)
Crista Cullen 26 (FG)
Nicola White 52 (PC)

Netherlands 3 (2)
Kitty Van Male 16, 37 (FG PC)
Maartje Paumen 24 (PC)

Great Britain win 2-0 on shootout

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. Netherlands   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Report courtesy of England & GB Hockey

Great Britain are guaranteed an Olympic medal after a commanding 3-0 win over New Zealand in the semi final in Rio. A double strike from Alex Danson and a penalty stroke from Helen Richardson-Walsh saw off the Blacksticks and set up a clash with the Netherlands, who were winners over Germany in the earlier match. 

Alex Danson scores to make it 1-0. (Photo Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Great Britain started the match with great intensity. Their high press put the Blacksticks defence under pressure and allowed Susannah Townsend and Sophie Bray to threaten with a series of darting runs in and around the circle.

New Zealand forced the first clear chance of the match on ten minutes via a penalty corner. Elizabeth Thompson fired the ball in, looking to find Gemma Flynn at the far post but she was unable to get the touch.

The Blacksticks were growing in confidence and their speedy attack put GB on the back foot. Kate Richardson-Walsh produced an impeccable tackle on the edge of the circle to halt a foray forwards from Anita McLaren before Petrea Webster shot wide on the turn from near the top of the circle. Danny Kerry’s side won their first penalty corner just before the break but the fierce flick from Crista Cullen was well saved by Sally Rutherford.

Great Britain started the second quarter on the front foot. Some lovely approach play from Lily Owsley almost set up Bray but she couldn’t quite get a touch on the pass. Owsley was starting to cause the Blacksticks real problems and linked well with Helen Richardson-Walsh to earn Great Britain a penalty corner. Laura Unsworth took the shot but her effort was touched wide by the defender.

GB celebrate win over New Zealand. (Photo: Koen Suyk)

With 22 minutes on the clock, Danny Kerry’s side got their noses in front. Another penalty corner was the source of the opening goal. Cullen’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper but Danson was quickest to react, stabbing the ball home from close range for her fourth goal of the competition.

The Blacksticks reply was immediate but Maddie Hinch was on hand to snake out a right foot to save Flynn’s snapshot. The Kiwis were a whisker away from an equaliser just before the break but McLaren’s drag flick flew wide of the post.

New Zealand had another penalty corner in the first minute of the second half. Kayla Whitelock played it in but Kate Richardson-Walsh stood firm with some stout defending. The next corner they tried the same routine but Cullen was out quickly to charge it down.

Great Britain lost Cullen and then Georgie Twigg to injuries in quick succession as the physicality of the high stakes game started to take its toll. Both returned to the fray shortly afterwards having received some running repairs.

Great Britain almost extended their lead from a penalty corner. Giselle Ansley played a great pass towards Helen Richardson-Walsh for the deflection but Brooke Neal got a touch to nick it away from her. There was a heart in mouth moment at the other end as the clock counted down to quarter time. Olivia Merry found herself clean through but Hinch blocked bravely before Townsend calmly cleared the danger.

Three minutes into the final quarter Danny Kerry’s team grabbed the all-important second goal. Some lovely link up play between Danson and Helen Richardson-Walsh freed the latter who was through on goal. A combination of Rutherford and Kayla Whitelock felled her and a penalty stroke was given.

The Great Britain No8 dusted herself down and coolly slotted the ball in for her fourth goal of the tournament. Great Britain added another just four minutes later, again from the penalty spot. Owsley carved open the New Zealand defence and was brought down, the umpire pointed to the spot again. This time Danson stepped up and made no mistake, matching her total from the 2012 Olympics with her fifth goal of the Games.

Danny Kerry’s side switched to a half court press for the closing stages and were able to close out the game for a famous win, a guaranteed medal and a place in the final against the Netherlands.

Alex Danson, Great Britain striker: “To come away from a semi-final and to be going into a final is unbelievable. But you can’t forget what’s got us here. It’s been one game at a time, building momentum, recovering and playing again. We’ve got one more to play and we won’t change anything about how we prepare.

“There are a number of us who have learnt from some heavy defeats over the last few years. You have them at the back of your mind but actually this tournament has been very much about us and the opposition and taking it one game at a time.

“I believe we have the best tacticians in the world on our management staff and we have very intelligent players who are able to put that on to the field. That’s won us games here – concentrating for the entire 60 minutes and knowing what our roles are.

“We’ve played together and been tight as a unit so to come away with a win is just incredible. There was a bit of relief on my penalty although I think Helen’s [Richardson-Walsh] stroke before that was the most amount of pressure ever and she did such a fantastic job to put it away.”

Danny Kerry, Great Britain: “That makes us the most successful GB women’s team ever at an Olympics. But there’s still one more game to go and they’re going to keep their feet on the ground.”

“They executed brilliantly today. They absolutely played how they’d been set out to do it and it really paid dividends. I was really proud of them playing under pressure in the second half. They kept playing forward trying to take opportunities and I’m really proud of that.”

“Holland in the final – they’ve probably got a bit of a point to prove after the England team and the Europeans. I think it will be a tight, cagey affair. They have some talented players and they will probably start as red-hot favourites but we like it that way.”

“We lost a very tight semi-final to Argentina four years ago [at London 2012]. We’ve adapted some of our training to replicate some of thinking needed in tight games and we’ve learned some lessons.”

Great Britain 3 (1)
Alex Danson 22, 52 (PC, PS)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 48 (PS)

New Zealand 0 (0)

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain’s next match is the final on 19 August live on BBC One against the Netherlands, at 9pm

Great Britain team vs. New Zealand   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

 Report courtesy of England & GB Hockey

A first half blitz from Great Britain booked their place in the semi finals of the Olympic Games after a convincing 3-1 win over Spain in Rio. Early goals from Georgie Twigg, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Lily Owsley ensured Danny Kerry’s side raced into a 3-0 lead before half time. Although Spain came back into the contest and struck back in the second half through Georgina Oliva; GB sailed through, setting up a semi-final with New Zealand this Wednesday.      

Maddie Hinch, Lily Owsley and Laura Unsworth.
(Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Great Britain came out of the blocks at a searing pace in the first quarter. Crista Cullen stung the palms of Maria Lopez in the Spain goal with an early penalty corner before Sophie Bray’s deflection flew just over the bar. Bray terrorized the Redsticks defence, showing her full range of 3D skills, setting up chances and winning penalty corners almost at will.

With eight minutes on the clock, Danny Kerry’s side took the lead. A polished penalty corner move saw the Surbiton connection link up as Giselle Ansley’s precise pass was expertly diverted into the roof of the net by Georgie Twigg. Just before the break Great Britain made it 2-0. Bray once again was at the heart of the move, breaking free down the left before picking out Helen Richardson-Walsh for the simplest of finishes.

Danny Kerry’s team continued their dominance into the second quarter. Lily Owsley set up Shona McCallin but her shot flashed just wide of the far post. Ansley almost added to the tally but somehow Lopez got a touch on her penalty corner to turn it wide.

Helen Richardson-Walsh (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Great Britain were threatening to run away with the game. Laura Unsworth went close from a broken down penalty corner but it wasn’t long before Danny Kerry’s side notched their third. Almost a carbon copy of their second goal, Great Britain broke along the baseline, this time via Alex Danson who set up Owsley to slot home.

After the interval Sam Quek, winning her 50^th Great Britain cap drew a good save out of Lopez as GB hunted another goal to kill the game off. Spain tiptoed their way back into the match and Maddie Hinch, making her 100^th international appearance had to be alert to block from Begonia Garcia at close range.

The Redsticks soon won their first penalty corner but Owsley did her defensive duties and blocked Lola Riera’s shot. Adrian Lock’s team  were unlucky not to find a goal when Berta Bonastre’s deflection thudded against the post but their lack of good fortune ensured GB’s commanding lead remained intact at the end of the third quarter.

At the start of the fourth period Unsworth had the crowd on their feet with some outstanding defensive work, swiftly followed by a skilful break out of defence but despite GB being in a strong position the final quarter produced some nervy moments.

With seven minutes remaining the Spanish got themselves on the board thanks to a lovely individual goal from Oliva. Spain threatened with a couple of late penalty corners but Great Britain’s defence held firm and their place in the semi-final was confirmed on full time.

Great Britain’s next match is the semi final on 17 August, live on BBC Sport against New Zealand. Time to be confirmed

Kate Richardson-Walsh, Great Britain captain: “It was a dominant performance. We let it slip a couple of times in the second half, particularly when we went down to ten which made it difficult. Spain are a great side who have ability all over the field but we did well even with ten. Overall we were very dominant.”

“I feel the pressure more because I’m older. When you wait all day for an evening game it makes the expectation build. You just want to get out there. We started brilliantly in the first five minutes we really went at them. We created chances and had a corner and that really settled us down.”

“Our form reminds me of the Olympic qualifiers in Valencia. We built momentum game to game and we went unbeaten at that tournament. It feels the same as that. Each game we’re taking a little more and each game we’re showing a little more of what we can do. It bodes well for the semi final that each game we’re showing another facet of ourselves which sets us up well.”

“We don’t expect to win. We believe. We go back to square one for the next game. We believe we can win but we must do our jobs. We have to execute the tactics laid out by the coaches but we believe in what we’re doing.”

“We can’t go into the New Zealand game thinking emotionally. We must play it as it comes. We can’t think of what’s gone or what might be; you have to concentrate on what you’re doing. I’m just thinking about the next game. We believe we can get a medal but it’s off in the distance and we are focused on the semi final.”

Great Britain 3 (3)
Georgie Twigg 8 (PC)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 13 (FG)
Lily Owsley 27 (FG)

Spain 1 (0)
Georgina Oliva 53 (FG)

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. Spain   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

 Report courtesy of England & GB Hockey

 Great Britain’s superb run of form at the Olympic Games continued with a fifth win from five games, seeing off the USA 2-1. Goals from Sophie Bray and Alex Danson overturned Michelle Vittesse’s opener and secured top spot in the pool for Danny Kerry’s team.   

Crista Cullen wib 199th cap (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

The two sides had met three times previously at an Olympic Games with two draws and a 1-0 win for GB and this match proved to be equally tight. The USA started fast and went close via a backhand shot from Katie Bam which flashed narrowly wide and then Melissa Gonzalez was kept out by some sharp work by Maddie Hinch. Susannah Townsend and Lily Owsley threatened the USA defence with some marauding runs in what was a physical first 15 minutes.

Danny Kerry’s side won their first penalty corner after good play by Helen Richardson-Walsh. Crista Cullen, making her 100^th GB appearance, stepped up but Jackie Briggs somehow turned her shot over the bar. Briggs soon took centre stage, gloving away another Cullen penalty corner as the sides went in at the break all square.

Alex danson scores (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

At the start of the second period; Bray showed terrific skills to break into the circle and shoot but again, Briggs got a glove on the ball and turned it over the bar. The USA goalkeeper denied Danson with a good block with her feet and despite the lion’s share of the possession and chances falling to Great Britain it remained 0-0 at half time.

Into the third quarter it was still one-way traffic. Briggs showed her class once more to save from Nicola White and it was starting to look like it might be one of those nights for Danny Kerry’s side.

In the 39^th minute, somewhat against the run of play, the USA got their noses in front. Vittesse seized on a loose ball, broke into the circle and found the bottom corner with a lovely finish.

Hannah Macleod earned her 150th cap (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Great Britain showed they are made of stern stuff and despite the setback, with seven minutes remaining in the final quarter they equalised with a lovely penalty corner goal. Giselle Ansley played the ball into Hannah Macleod who on her 150^th international appearance slid the ball across goal where Bray was waiting to guide it home.

Three minutes later it was 2-1. Sam Quek played a raking pass into the circle to Danson at the far post. The striker steered the ball in for her third goal of the tournament. GB ended the match with nine players after two late yellow cards to Georgie Twigg and Townsend and with time running out the Stars and Stripes had one last chance from a penalty corner. Lauren Crandall took the shot but Hinch made the save and Cullen completed the clearance ensuring GB took the win and top spot in the group.

Great Britain’s next match is the quarter final on 15 August live on BBC Sport, time and opponent to be confirmed

Kate Richardson-Walsh, Great Britain captain: “If you’d offered us top spot at the start of the week I’d have bitten your hand off. The momentum we’ve created is good. All the sides are excellent in this tournament so I’m really proud of what we’ve done so far.”

“We had a lot of possession and chances but we had to turn those into goals. We had to wait to get on the board but it came in the end. In all the games we’ve shown a bit of difference in what we can do. We’ve been goals up, goals down, played with ten and played with nine. We’re showing we can do all kinds of hockey; now we want to play at our best.  In order to succeed, we need to listen to the tactics. Danny Kerry our coach is a fantastic tactician. If we do what he asks of us we’ll be fine.”

“We had to show resilience tonight. USA are full of positive energy and resilience so we had to feed off that. Momentum plays a big part. The Dutch, Argentina and Australia always do it well. They keep building the performances at tournaments and that’s what we’re doing here.”

“Our first goal was to reach the quarter final. We’ll have a meeting tomorrow by which time we’ll know who we’re playing. We’ll debrief and learn lessons from the pool stages. We’ll watch lots of video ahead to the next match and make sure we’re prepared.”

Great Britain 2 (0)
Sophie Bray 53 (PC)
Alex Danson 56 (FG)

USA 1 (0)
Michelle Vittesse 39 (FG)

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. USA   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Great Britain maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 win over a stubborn Japanese side at the Olympic Games. An early goal from Lily Owsley gave GB the lead and Nicola White added a second with five minutes to go as Danny Kerry’s team made it four wins from four out in Rio.   

Great Britain celebrate Nicola White’s goal (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Great Britain had settled the quicker of the two sides and took the lead in the fifth minute. FIH Rising Star of the Year Owsley showed great skills along the baseline to get into the circle and fired the ball across where the unfortunate Miyuki Nakagawa diverted into her own net. A penalty corner soon followed but despite a good shot from Giselle Ansley Japan were able to scramble the ball away.

Danny Kerry’s side dominated the first quarter with some exciting bursts forwards but it remained 1-0 at the break.

The second quarter started with a penalty corner to the Cherry Blossoms. Mie Nakishima smashed it at goal but Helen Richardson-Walsh showed her prowess in defence with a good clearance. Japan started to come into the game more and more and forced another penalty corner. Minami Shimizu hit the shot but Maddie Hinch got down well and then cleared it out with her stick, snuffing out the danger.

At the other end, Hinch’s opposite number Sakiyo Asano excelled herself with a save right out of the top drawer to deny Georgie Twigg. GB survived a late scare in the half. Japan had the ball in the net but the whistle had already gone for a penalty corner, which was overturned after a GB referral.

After the break Kerry’s side increased the pressure as they looked for a second goal. Susannah Townsend broke the line with a good run but her cross couldn’t quite find Danson. Hinch was on hand to deny Hazuki Nagai from a penalty corner and then Sophie Bray’s excellent strike on the backhand was saved by Asano, keeping it 1-0 going into the final quarter.

GB thought they’d doubled their money early in the fourth quarter as Helen Richardson-Walsh smashed in Crista Cullen’s pass. The umpire called for a referral and the goal was disallowed for an infringement in the build up. Bray then went close, showing incredible skills, manufacturing a chance and drilling another backhand in which Asano did well to save once again.

It was starting to look like the second goal would never come but with five minutes to go, GB got what they were looking for. Asano made a splendid stop to deny Cullen from a penalty corner but with the ball popping up White showed terrific reflexes and technique to volley in from above her head.

There was still time for Nagai to sting Hinch’s gloves with another penalty corner but Great Britain were able to close the game out and maintain their 100% record.

Great Britain’s next match is 13 August vs. USA at 22:00, live on BBC Sport

Danny Kerry, Great Britain Coach: “I don’t think any of us today would be satisfied with the performance, one or two players had to play well. Laura Unsworth played a mature game and Hollie Webb was also very solid.

“Maddie Hinch also made some important saves but I don’t think anyone will be happy with the team performance. However, we’ve kept a clean sheet, won the game and not played that well.

“So looking at the big picture, we’ve won four group games; we’re definitely in the top two so if you’d offered us that we’d have taken it every day. Today we had to create our own energy and tempo but we didn’t do that.

“We deliberately haven’t looked at other results. The players learned their lesson in a tournament a few years back not to tune in to other teams. We will now because we’re definitely in the top two so we can predict a little bit more. We’re in a good position that we can scout knowing a bit better, but we feel we can match anyone, like we did against Argentina and Australia.”

Great Britain 2 (1)
Lily Owsley 5 (FG)
Nicola White 55 (PC)

Japan 0 (0)

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. Japan   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Report courtesy of England Hockey & GB Hockey

 Great Britain sealed their place in the Olympic quarter finals with a hard fought 3-2 win over world No2 Argentina. A brace from Helen Richardson-Walsh and one from Sophie Bray put Great Britain in the driving seat and despite a double from Florencia Habif and a missed penalty stroke from GB, Danny Kerry’s side saw the game out to secure the win and with it, a quarter final place. 

Hollie Webb (GB Hockey)

The first quarter was tough going for both sides with a midfield battle ensuing as the two teams fought for a foothold in the game. Las Leonas had a gilt-edged opportunity early on. Delfina Merino was clean through but despite rounding Maddie Hinch, her shot thudded back off the woodwork.

Great Britain defended well, keeping Las Leonas at bay with Hollie Webb, making her 100^th international appearance looking her usual solid self in the back line. Argentina had a penalty corner chance just before the interval but Victoria Zuloaga slapped it wide and it stayed 0-0 going into the second quarter.

Great Britain started the second quarter brightly. Laura Unsworth tip-toed forwards into a good position and brought a sprawling clearance out of Belen Succi in the Argentina goal. Susannah Townsend started to cause the defence some problems with her direct, powerful running and with eight minutes gone in the quarter GB won a penalty corner. Kate Richardson-Walsh slid the ball in from the top of the circle with unerring accuracy to find a sliding Helen Richardson-Walsh to deflect in for the opening goal.

Sophie Bray (Photo Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

With Argentina reeling, Danny Kerry’s side struck again. It was Helen Richardson-Walsh who applied the finish again, pouncing on a loose ball to stab in from close range. Argentina had an opportunity to pull one back with a penalty corner. Noel Barrionuevo took the shot and brought the best out of Hinch who got a good glove on the ball to make the save, protecting the lead at the break.

Las Leonas started the third quarter at a high tempo. Carla Rebecchi broke free in the circle and shot but Hinch was alert and palmed it away. At the other end Townsend set up Danson who found space and smashed a powerful low shot just wide of the far post. Giselle Ansley almost added another from a broken down penalty corner but it wasn’t long before GB had a third thanks to the poacher’s instincts of Bray.

On 41 minutes Argentina got on the board. Florencia Habif won possession high up the pitch, popped the ball into the circle and slammed it into the bottom corner for a well-taken solo goal. Just two minutes later the same player added a second from a penalty corner rebound, bringing Argentina right back into the contest.

The tension mounted in the final quarter with Great Britain reduced to nine players after cards for Bray and Townsend. Danny Kerry’s team weathered that storm and then after a foul on Danson they had a glorious chance to make the game safe from the penalty spot. Helen Richardson-Walsh stepped up looking for her hat-trick but Succi guessed right and made the save. Martina Cavallero forced Hinch into a good block at the other end and Argentina pressed Great Britain onto the back foot as they searched for an equaliser.

All the Great Britain players were called into defensive action with Danson and Lily Owsley dropping deep and doing their part to hold the blue and white tide off. The team’s excellent defensive work completed the job and Great Britain’s three points confirmed their place in the quarter finals.

Great Britain’s next match is 12 August vs. USA at 00:30, live on BBC Sport

Helen Richardson-Walsh Great Britain Midfielder: “We’re really pleased to get the three points. Argentina are a really good team so we expected them to come back. We tried not to concede the goals but it is what it is! We’re really pleased to get the job done in the end.”

“I’m annoyed about the stroke but pleased to get the goals I did get. Fortunately it didn’t cost us but hopefully I’ll save that goal for another game.”

“Argentina’s crowd are amazing. They brought a big contingent who was getting behind their team but actually that lifts us. They’re a good team who played some nice hockey but we’ll learn some lessons and take those forwards to the next round.”

“Today the atmosphere was amazing it was rocking today and it was against Australia. Our fans were amazing that night. It’s great when the crowds are in and enjoying it. We just need to give them something to cheer.”

“Beating a team like them gives us confidence but I don’t think we’re firing on all cylinders. At the start we felt comfortable which is good but this tournament is tough anything can happen in the quarter finals but we’re building momentum and hopefully we can use it. We like playing in the rain, it felt like home.”

Great Britain 3 (2)
Helen Richardson-Walsh 23 25 (PC FG)
Sophie Bray 38 (FG)

Argentina 2 (0)
Florencia Habif 41 43 (FG PC)

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. Argentina   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Report courtesy of England Hockey & GB Hockey 

Great Britain made it two wins from two in the Olympic Games, sweeping aside world No 13 India 3-0 with a dominant display. Goals from Giselle Ansley, Nicola White and a second goal of the tournament from Alex Danson secured another three points for Danny Kerry’s team.

Alex Danson (photo Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

India set their stall out to make life difficult for Great Britain and the massed ranks of blue shirts in defensive positions ensured that the first quarter only saw one clear chance for Danny Kerry’s team. A lovely piece of skill by Danson set it up but her backhand shot was not quite diverted in by Sophie Bray from above her head and it remained all square at the break.

The pattern of play resumed in the second quarter with Great Britain probing and looking for an opening. In the 25^th minute Danny Kerry’s side won a penalty corner. Ansley stepped up and fired a precise drag flick past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. It was 2-0 two minutes later. Good link up play from Danson and Bray set up White to stab home from close range.

Early in the third quarter Laura Unsworth broke out of defence and set Susannah Townsend free. The No9 got to the baseline and crossed, finding Unsworth who had continued her run but the defender couldn’t quite convert the chance and it fizzed wide.

It wasn’t long before the third goal came, however. Lily Owsley carved open the defence with some nice skills and crossed for Danson to apply the finish for international goal number 95.

Nicola White (Photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

GB forced another penalty corner half way through the quarter but this time Ansley’s shot was charged down. They were soon awarded another set piece and worked a double dummy move but Bray couldn’t quite get the decisive touch and India cleared the danger. Bray then flashed a shot past the far post after some good individual skills in the build up as Great Britain hunted more goals.

In the final quarter India mustered their first chance on goal with a penalty corner. Rani took the shot but it was well defended and the lead remained intact. Bray continued to terrorise the defence and her cross was almost converted by Danson.

With seconds remaining on the clock India had one last chance. Vandana Kataryia was all alone with just Maddie Hinch to beat but the goalkeeper preserved her clean sheet with a splendid save right at the death. Great Britain moved level with USA at the top of the pool with maximum points.

Great Britain’s next match is Wednesday at 17:30 vs. Argentina, live on BBC Sport

Giselle Ansley, Great Britain defender: “It wasn’t our most polished performance but three points are three points and six from the first two games, well you can’t ask for more than that really. It was my first Olympic goal tonight so I’m over the moon.”

“It’s been surreal walking into the village even just getting on the plane to come to an Olympics to be honest. Now we’re here we’re fully focused on the hockey and that’s the only thing for us right now.”

Sam Quek, Great Britain defender: “We knew India would be tough, they like being in contact and short, close skills so we tried to keep out of range, play our game and not get pulled into their tempo.”

“We’re taking it game by game. The fact we have six points is the perfect start. Every game is tough but we have to grind results out and then once we get to the quarters we need to reassess. I had a different kind of nerves ahead of the first game as it was my first Olympic match but today was like any other game.”

“We’ve come off social media to keep in our own bubble and concentrate on ourselves. We’ve had feedback from family and friends that the support back home has been fantastic. Not just in our sport but for people like Adam Peaty winning gold last night and other guys smashing it, so the support for Team GB as a whole is awesome.”

Great Britain 3 (2)
Giselle Ansley 25 (PC)
Nicola White 27 (FG)
Alex Danson 33 (FG)

India 0 (0)

 Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. India   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Report courtesy of England & GB Hockey

Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch produced a goalkeeping masterclass as Great Britain got their Olympic campaign off to a perfect start with a thrilling 2-1 win over Australia.

Hinch made a string of fine saves whilst goals from Lily Owsley and Alex Danson ensured Georgina Morgan’s goal for the Hockeyroos was in vain. Despite a late barrage from Australia, Great Britain prevailed in a tense encounter.

Lily Owsley celebrates with Shona McCallin. (photo: Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

Australia started well and created the first clear chance via a neat turn and strike from Kathryn Slattery. Hinch was alert and beat the ball away with her gloves. The Hockeyroos were putting the pressure on and Emily Smith had a gilt-edged opportunity, finding herself clean through only to be denied by the GB goalkeeper who bravely blocked the shot with her facemask.

Danny Kerry’s side came into the contest more as the quarter wore on and a fine run and shot by Danson forced a good save from Rachael Lynch. Australia won their first penalty corner with two minutes to go to the break. Jodie Kenny took the strike but Crista Cullen was brave and charged the shot down to keep it scoreless at quarter time.

Adam Commens’ side started the second quarter well and Grace Stewart broke free in the circle. Once again Hinch was the saviour, dashing from her line to make another good block. Karri McMahon then went close with a penalty corner but Helen Richardson-Walsh was on the line to touch the ball away to safety.

Hinch continued to frustrate Australia and denied Stewart once more as the Hockeyroos hunted the opening goal.

With four minutes to go to the break Danny Kerry’s side got their noses in front thanks to a sublime team move. Hollie Webb’s long pass was touched on by Shona McCallin to Sophie Bray. Her first time pass found Owsley who calmly slotted home.

Australia hit back immediately at the other end but Georgina Morgan’s shot rattled the woodwork and it remained 1-0 at the half way mark.

Three minutes after the break it was all square. Morgan, who had been denied by the frame of the goal earlier on, found her range and fired a lovely drag flick into the top corner. Undeterred, Great Britain went up the other end and after some excellent work from Owsley won their first set piece of the match. Cullen took the shot but Lynch got a strong glove on it to repel the chance.

Australia pushed hard for the next goal, hoping to edge themselves in front. Jane Claxton had a wonderful opportunity but with Hinch putting her under pressure she could only shoot wide.

Tea, GB celebrate (Photo:Worldsportpics Frank Uijlenbroek)

With time running out in the third quarter, what turned out to the the match’s decisive moment came. A flowing move from GB carved the Hockeyroos’ defence open. McCallin dummied the through ball allowing Susannah Townsend to break into the circle. She found Danson who spun onto her backhand and fired home.

The final quarter was a nervy affair with both sides knowing the next goal would be crucial. Hinch made another splendid save from Stewart and at the other end Lynch was on hand to block brilliantly from a marauding Owsley.

There was late drama as the Great Britain goalkeeper had to deny Brooke Peris and then watch on as a penalty corner flashed wide of the target but Great Britain were able to run the clock down and clinch a famous win.

Great Britain’s next match is Monday at 22:00 vs. India, live on BBC Sport

Lily Owsley, Great Britain forward:

“We gave them the respect they deserved going into the game. They’ve had the better of us in other games so we knew it’d be tough and they’d come out flying. We had to match them and that’s what we did early on. We got the momentum throughout the game and were able to get the win. To say we’ve been waiting for this game for a while is an understatement; We’ve been waiting four years and it’s great to get the ball rolling.”

“As far as Saturday nights go, making my Olympic debut and scoring on it tops most other Saturday nights as a 21-year-old. I’m over the moon to get the three points in the group stage. To be where we want to be puts us in a strong position. We have to take it game by game and it’s a long group stage but to start with three points is really important.”

Full match details can be found here.

Great Britain team vs. Australia   

Starting XI

Substitutes used

Great Britain 2 (1)
Lily Owsley 26 (FG)
Alex Danson 43 (FG)

Australia 1 (0)
Georgina Morgan 33 (PC)

 Report courtesy of England & GB Hockey

Current student Ian Sloan is one of five Loughborough men included, whilst London 2012 bronze medallists Laura Unsworth, Nicola White and Hannah Macleod are three of the five Loughborough women included in the 16 chosen for Rio.

Having only made his senior debut last summer, Sloan, who is completing the final year of his Accounting and Financial Management degree from distance as he trains full-time with the GB team, has made an instant impact to earn his spot for Rio.

Joining him is captain Barry Middleton, who will be playing in his fourth Olympic Games, as well as alumni David Condon, Mark Gleghorne and Henry Weir, who like Sloan will be making their Olympic debuts.

On the women’s side, star goalkeeper Maddie Hinch will wear the number one shirt in Rio, whilst recent graduate Giselle Ansley will make her Olympic debut. Hannah Macleod, Laura Unsworth and Nicola White are also among the 16-strong squad that will compete in Rio this August, with the side aiming for another medal having won European Championship gold last year.

Of the announcement Jerome Goudie, Loughborough University men’s hockey coach said:

“We are naturally delighted to have a number of past and current Loughborough students selected to be involved in the Rio Olympics. We are proud to have been able to assist in their hockey development, our programme helping them to reach the pinnacle of their sport. It is a testament to the individuals and academic support provided by University staff, that enabled them to achieve this while obtaining a degree from a top five University. We wish them, and GB, the best of luck in Rio.”

Credit must also be given to Nicholas Catlin, Iain Lewers and Sam Ward who, although having not studied at Loughborough University, have represented Loughborough Students Hockey in the past.

You can also read the full story on our dedicated Rio 2016 website by clicking here.

Report courtesy of Loughborough University