The British women’s team narrowly lost 1-0 to hosts Spain in their second Group B match of the FIH Olympic Hockey Qualifiers in Valencia on Sunday.
Spain’s Patricia Alvarez (51′) was the only scorer of the match.
The first quarter was an even battle, with Spain having slightly more possession. The home team launched a serious attack in the 8th minute and earned the first penalty corner of the match, but the GB defense stood firm and prevented Spain from taking the lead. GB also earned their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, but the Spanish defense evaded the danger and the quarter ended in a 0-0 deadlock.
GB took the lead in the second quarter and earned their second penalty corner of the game in the 16th minute, but were unable to convert the shot. They enjoyed possession for much of the second quarter. In the second half of the quarter, they took penalty corners in quick succession, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities and the first half ended 0-0.
As the third quarter began, GB put pressure on the home side with a relentless attack and made dangerous runs inside the opponents’ half. Laura Roper and Sarah Jones came close to breaking the deadlock with successive shots on target, but the Spanish goalkeeper made a double save. The hosts had chances to take the lead with a counter-attack, but GB goalkeeper Savy Heesch made a superb double save to end the quarter 0-0.
After three goalless quarters, both teams, desperate for a breakthrough, pushed each other from end to end. It was Spain who broke the deadlock with Alvarez’s powerful shot in the 51st minute.
GB pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages of the match and created enough chances, but the hosts overcame the crisis and emerged winners in a close match.
GB Women will face Malaysia in their third Group B match on 16 January 2024 at 13:15 UK time. Watch live on BBC Sport and the Red Button.