It was Nick Bandurak (2’), David Goodfield (52’) and Sam Ward (58’) who scored a goal each to help GB Men register a clinical 3-0 win against Germany.
The home side were off to a flying start as they opened the scoring in just the second minute of the match. GB forwards made an attacking run, taking the shot on target, and earning the penalty stroke which was duly converted by Bandurak.
GB immediately responded and earned a penalty corner but missed out on converting it. They slightly had better ball possession in the latter stage and created a couple of goalscoring opportunities, but GB’s defensive line stood tall to deny them from equalising.
The home side started the second quarter on an attacking note and made a couple of circle entries, but without causing much damage. Germany also made attacking forays inside GB’s half but couldn’t find an opening. The latter phase of the second quarter saw end-to-end action, with both teams showcasing good attacking and defensive skills. GB leading 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter saw a cautious approach from both teams as it turned out to be a battle of the midfield. They pushed each other hard from one end to the other, but without causing much damage.
Germany had a glorious opportunity to equalise through a penalty corner, but GB’s goalkeeper was up to the mark. GB too had a couple of goalscoring opportunities to extend their lead, but the German goalkeeper stood tall to keep GB away from the goal. Both teams earned penalty corners in the closing stage of the third quarter, but neither could take advantage of the opportunity.
The start of the final quarter saw a similar story as both teams took turns in attack. Zachary Wallace poached the ball in the midfield and passed it to Sam Ward who was almost in a 1-v-1 situation but missed out on taking advantage of it.
The Brits piled pressure on Germany’s defence and were rewarded with a penalty corner. Gall was in the right place, at the right time as he picked up the ball off the goalkeeper’s rebound and slotted the ball home with a fiery tomahawk.
With less than four minutes to go for the final hooter, Germany removed their goalkeeper to put an extra player in the outfield. GB took advantage of it as Ward converted the penalty corner to make it 3-0 in the 59th minute. They slowed down the proceedings to bag a clinical 3-0 win against the world champions.
Earlier in the day, the reigning Olympic and World Champions Netherlands registered a dominant 6-0 win over the USA in their FIH Pro League match.
Pien Dicke (7′, 50′) starred with a brace, while Joosje Burg (20′), Renne van Laarhoven (49′), Marijn Veen (54′) and Luna Fokke (58′) scored a goal each in their team’s win.
An attacking start from the Netherlands earned a penalty corner in the very first minute of the match but they missed out on capitalising on it. The USA shook off the early jitters, enjoying ball possession for a brief period.
The Dutch went on to take the lead as Dicke found the back of the net during the penalty corner routine in the 7th minute of the match. Both teams earned penalty corners, but neither were successful in converting their chances, ending the quarter with the Netherlands leading 1-0.
The Dutch went on to double their lead through Burg’s reverse strike in the 20th minute. They dominated ball possession throughout the second quarter, making dangerous runs inside their opponent’s half, but the USA’s denied them from scoring further goals. The USA managed to sneak into the Netherlands’ circle and took the shot on target, but the Dutch goalkeeper stood tall to end the quarter with a 2-0 lead.
The third quarter saw end-to-end action as both teams made inroads inside each other’s halves, looking for an opening. The Dutch had better ball possession but couldn’t convert it as the USA defence kept them at bay, the score remaining at 2-0 at the end of the quarter.
The Netherlands started the final quarter aggressively as they went on to score another four goals. Laarhoven scored the team’s third goal through a penalty stroke in the 49th minute, while Dicke scored her second and team’s fourth goal in the 50th minute. Both Veen and Fokke scored from open play in the 54th and 58th minute respectively to help the Dutch register a dominating win over the USA.
Women’s – Sun 18 June 2023 – 12:30 – Great Britain v USA
Men’s – Sun 18 June 2023 – 15:00 – Great Britain v Spain
- Under 18s from £8 for TWO games, adults from £18.50
- Two mini-tournaments at Lee Valley Hockey Tennis Centre in May & June 2023
- Great Britain playing some of the world’s best teams
- Lots of low price seats still available.
Make sure you don’t miss out and get your tickets here!
All games will be broadcast live on BT Sport
