Great Britain registered their first point of the men’s Olympic Games when they scored a point against New Zealand with a 2-2 draw on day two of the competition in Pool A.
All the goals came in the first half. David Condon’s close-range finish gave GB the lead before Kane Russell’s powerful shot beat George Pinner and Hayden McPhillips’ reverse made it 2-1 to the Blacksticks.
Barry Middleton’s back post deflection, however, was the last of the goals in a 2-2 tie.
Reacting to the result, GB coach Bobby Crutchley said: “It was disappointing not to win today. We had some good opportunities we were better than yesterday in our intensity and the way we played.
“Our execution was a bit off and we didn’t deliver our corners but we showed better intent. There were glimpses of quality but it’ll come in the coming games.
“I didn’t need to say a lot to the players after the Belgium game. We put some things right because we were well off our expectations in that one. We were nearer today but we’re still not where we want to be. We’ll review today and move onto the next game and try to keep improving. The players are good at self evaluation so we know what we need to do.”
Spain also made it two wins from two as Alex Casasayas’ fortuitous single goal, bouncing in off Andrew Charter, proved the sole difference in a superb win over reigning world champions Australia.
Elsewhere in their group, Belgium are top of the table after a 12-0 win over Brazil. Alex Casasayas scored the only goal in an incredible 1-0 win for Spain over Argentina.
In Pool B, the Netherlands bounced back from their dramatic draw with Argentina to record a 5-0 win over Ireland with Mink van der Weerden scoring twice while Mirco Pruijser, Jorrit Croon and Jeroen Hertzberger also registered goals.
Speaking afterwards, Pruijser said it was not as easy as the scoreline suggested.
“Maybe the result looks like an easy game but it wasn’t. They played a fast tempo, high-paced hockey but we also did well.
“They really put the pressure on in the third quarter and took a few more risks, going high with the flankers [full-backs]. We had to a go a bit deeper but we could turn this around and step up again.
“The feeling is good. Against Argentina, we played a good match but the result was a bit frustrating. We still need to grow into the tournament and with this win, we are going upwards.”