Hockey: Team GB secure 3-0 win over Belgium

August 2, 2024

Great Britain’s women’s hockey team moved to within a point of qualifying for the semi-finals with a hard-working 3-0 victory over Belgium.

Goals from Ashleigh Ball, Laura Bartlett and Crista Cullen were enough to secure a win despite a late rally by their opponents.

They require only a point against China on Saturday to be sure of a place in the last four and are still on course to top Pool A.

Four days after fracturing her jaw on this pitch captain Kate Walsh, now with a titanium plate inserted, was named in the squad but her role was purely observational and she remained on the bench throughout the warm-up and game.

Photo Credit: Great Britain Hockey/Ady Kerry

It was not until two minutes before the interval GB made the breakthrough, Sarah Thomas’ shot was deflected into the path of Chloe Rogers close to the right byline and she pulled it back for Ball to sweep home her first Olympic goal.

After the interval, Hannah Macleod slipped a pass to Bartlett on the left of the circle and she transferred it to her reverse-stick side and beat D’Hooghe, who will have been disappointed to see the ball squeeze under her body. In doing so the Scott became the eighth different scorer in three Pool A matches so far.

GB goalkeeper Beth Storry had been a virtual spectator but did well to block Lieselotte van Lindt’s shot and was then tested with a couple of others as Belgium launched a late flurry.

But any fears of letting the lead slip were snuffed out minutes from the end when Cullen powered home a low penalty corner flick.

Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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Hockey: Team GB secure 3-0 win over Belgium

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Hockey: Team GB secure 3-0 win over Belgium

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