Great Britain 1 (1)
Ansley (4’, PC)
Spain 2 (2)
Barrios (4’, FG); Riera (9’, PC)
Great Britain’s women lost 2-1 to Spain in their opening pool game in Paris. By contrast to the rain of Saturday it was a sunny hot and noisy pitch two at Yves-du-Manoir stadium that greeted both teams. With all the goals in the first quarter, Spain went ahead though Barrios, only for Giselle Ansley to equalise from a penalty corner shortly after. What proved to be Spain’s winner also came from a penalty corner, with a well taken finish by Riera.
The opening quarter started at a high pace as both teams attacked, looking to take an early advantage. Spain’s high pressing and fast direct attacking appeared to be making early inroads as they enjoyed a lot of possession.
After only four minutes a clever aerial into the GB circle evaded the defence and was picked up by Spain, the attempt on goal went underneath Pritchard and Spain’s Laura Barrios was on hand to force it over the line. 1-0 to Spain.
Almost immediately an attack for GB at the other end resulted in a penalty corner, after some good skills from Hamilton in the circle who was obstructed. Giselle Ansley’s first attempt on goal was blocked by the Spanish runner, but second time round she calmly dispatched her drag flick high and to the right over the goalkeeper to draw GB level.
The exciting end-to-end attacking of the opening quarter continued, with Spain in the ascendancy. They made this pay off after 9 minutes after a stick tackle in the 23’ by GB. From the resulting penalty corner Lola Barrios stepped up to put a drag flick past the on running GB defence into the right-hand corner of the goal, to make it 2-1 to Spain.
Chances continued to be made by both teams in the second quarter, but it remained goalless. Spain ended the half with over 60% possession, but GB had more entries into the circle.
In the second half of the game, Great Britain pressed for the equaliser and enjoyed more possession but just weren’t able to convert the chances they had from open play and multiple penalty corners.
By quarter four, GB’s press and intensity nearly paid dividends. Pritchard was withdrawn late on and Spain lost a player with a green card, but they held on to claim all three points.
GB’s women are next up tomorrow when they take on Australia at 4.00pm UK time.
Feeling inspired by the hockey in Paris? Get involved and pick up a stick this summer, there is plenty on offer for you.
