The Team GB men’s hockey side made a disappointing start to the Olympic hockey tournament as they suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat in stifling conditions in Deodoro.
Belgium came flying out of the blocks to take a 1-0 lead in the first period but Team GB recovered strong and a fantastic hit from Nick Catlin made it 1-1 at half-time and with little to choose between the sides.
With the searing midday heat appearing to sap the energy of the Team GB players early in the second half, Belgium stepped up the pace and two early goals in the third period put them well in the ascendency.
Team GB continued to chase the game valiantly but their attempts to win the ball back left them exposed as Belgium grabbed the final goal of the game to record a comprehensive win.
It is not the start Team GB wanted but with their second group game set to take place against New Zealand tomorrow, they have the perfect opportunity to get their Olympic medal ambitions back on track.
Team GB captain Barry Middleton admitted it wasn’t the result the team wanted but promised the players would look to get back to their best ahead of their remaining group games.
“They took their chances well and credit to them for that but it was a disappointing display from us,” said the 32-year-old from Doncaster.
“It wasn’t anything massive but we weren’t quite 100 per-cent all over the pitch and if everyone isn’t at the top level, that can add up and it certainly cost us today.
“It was hot out there and it was hard work but it isn’t one of the hardest places we have played so no excuses there. Physically the conditions aren’t a worry for us and we are all fit enough to play 60 minutes of hockey in this heat.
“They played well and opened up the pitch superbly but we gave them a bit of space where we shouldn’t have done.”
Despite the result, Middleton is confident Team GB medal hopes remain alive.
“One of the good things is that you chances in this tournament so if you lose one, you are not out of it - compared to the last Olympic Games where only the top two from the group went through,” he said.
“We will obviously be in a bit more of a fight now to get out of the group but we will be working hard.
“Everyone is smart enough to know that there is another game tomorrow so we need to recover and be back to 100% and ready to go next time out.”