Team GB’s men’s hockey team mounted a comeback for the third match in a row as they beat hosts France 2-1 and secured qualification for the knockout stages at Paris 2024.
Goals from Zach Wallace and James Albery overturned Timothée Clément’s strike in the final minute of the second quarter to leave GB second in Group A.
They will clinch top spot in the group and a kinder run to the final with a win over current table-toppers Germany in their final pool match on Friday evening.
Midfielder Phil Roper said: “We kind of knew it was most likely going to be a battle. We dreamed of an easy game, scoring goals, liquid hockey, but it’s not always that simple, especially against good teams, especially on their home patch in front of so many people.
“It’s not going to be easy but we found a way to win, which is such an important part of tournament hockey.”
Full-time in the hockey 🏑
— Team GB (@TeamGB) August 1, 2024
Goals from Zach Wallace and James Albery helped our men's team come from behind to beat France 2-1 in Paris.
Two wins and two draws secures qualification to the knockout rounds.#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/GEPQtPitEk
Since sweeping Spain aside 4-0 in their opening fixture, GB have conceded first on three consecutive occasions and even went two behind against the Netherlands on Tuesday before a quickfire double from Lee Morton rescued a draw.
They are, however, one of just two sides in the men’s draw still unbeaten along with Group B leaders and reigning Olympic champions Belgium.
Roper says that bouncebackability will serve them well when it comes to the knockout stages, as GB pursue a first men's hockey medal since the class of 1988 delivered a famous gold in Seoul.
“You have to be ready for these scenarios and for teams to score goals against you,” added Roper.
“It was pretty tasty but we made sure that we stuck to processes, did our thing, we knew it was coming. We were playing good hockey and creating chances, it was going to happen.”
Team GB's women also made it through to the knockout stages after a 5-2 win over the USA and other results went their way.
Tess Howard scored twice, with Sophie Hamilton, Hannah French and Sarah Jones also getting on the scoresheet.
South Africa's later loss confirmed that GB will be one of the four teams to progress from Pool B with a game to spare.
Howard said: “Sophie Hamilton. What a star, she’s brilliant.
"When she plays with flow she’s probably among the world’s best. She’s a really key player for us and I’m so proud of the way she played today so I hope we can keep giving her the opportunities to be her best self.”
Sportsbeat 2024