By Annika Breidthardt
LONDON, July 31 (Reuters) – Britain’s women’s hockey team
started to resemble serious Olympic medal contenders on Tuesday
after a dramatic 5-3 victory over South Korea put them top of
their group.
They were helped by Belgium holding Beijing silver
medallists China to a goalless draw.
Britain clearly missed their defensive powerhouse and
captain Kate Walsh, who had surgery on Monday after breaking her
jaw in the last minutes of the 4-0 victory over Japan but who
has vowed to return later in the competition.
“The surgeon has said that her jaw has titanium plates in it
and is stronger than it was previously so there is no medical
risk to her playing,” Britain coach Danny Kerry told reporters.
Britain could have closed out the game earlier but allowed
the Koreans to equalise twice. With 14 minutes to go and the
score at 3-3 the home crowd were getting nervous before Georgie
Twigg and Chloe Rogers brought Britain home.
“This team has bucketloads of character and resilience and
hopefully this will stand us in good stead,” said Crista Cullen.
Britain have improved in the world rankings from ninth four
years ago to fourth now and are looking one of the fittest teams
at the Games.
They lead the Netherlands, ranked world number one, in
Group A on goal difference.
Continued…
