18 August, 2008: Great Britain are being held, 0-0 by the USA. Their hopes of qualifying for the medal matches at the Olympics in Beijing are hanging by a thread. They need to defeat the Stars and Stripes to have any chance of qualifying ahead of Argentina in the pool.
In the last five minutes, GB throw the kitchen sink at the USA. A shot seems destined for the top corner but from nowhere, Amy Tran-Swensen the US goalkeeper pulls out an incredible save and GB’s hopes are dashed.
The image below of Moritz Fürste in Rio is, in my opinion, one of the most iconic of the tournament. It is a picture of utter despair after Germany’s semi-final defeat to Argentina at the Olympics. It was not meant to end like this. For one of the most recognisable, talented and popular players of modern hockey, the story was meant to have a happy ending. Whilst Fürste and his teammates recovered to capture a bronze medal, this wasn’t the fairy-tale finish many had envisaged.
I was lucky enough to appear on Galvanised Hockey’s first ever episode of the Hockey Shed recently. Here it is for your viewing pleasure.
Battered, bruised, broken but crucially, not beaten. England secured a bronze medal in a physical encounter with Germany at the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships in Amsterdam. Goals from Barry Middleton, Ian Sloan, Mark Gleghorne and Phil Roper steered Bobby Crutchley’s side to a first medal at this competition in six years with a 4-2 win. Continue reading
Mark Gleghorne took time out from lining up the soft drinks to talk to The Top of the D post match about England’s bronze medal triumph over Germany. Full video below. Continue reading
England captain Alex Danson was “absolutely delighted” after her team beat Germany 2-0 to pick up the bronze medal at the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships.
“I’m so proud.” beamed the No15 as she spoke to The Top of the D post-match. “This has been a thoroughly enjoyable Europeans. We came into the game determined not to go home empty handed. It was a really professional performance from the team.” Continue reading
England’s Laura Unsworth added another medal to her impressive collection as England defeated Germany 2-0 in the bronze medal match at the EuroHockey Championships. Unsworth talks exclusively to The Top of the D. Video below. Continue reading
Mixed feelings were very much the theme in the aftermath of England’s semi-final defeat to the Netherlands on Friday night. Both Coach Bobby Crutchley and one of the captains Phil Roper expressed their frustration at a good performance but ultimately at missing out on the gold medal match. Continue reading
England’s most capped player of all time Barry Middleton declared that his side don’t just “want to come for the atmosphere” as England prepare to fight for bronze tomorrow against Germany at the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships. Continue reading
England Coach Bobby Crutchley had mixed feelings after seeing his side beaten in the semi-final of the Rabobank EuroHockey Championships by hosts, Netherlands. Despite a penalty corner goal from Mark Gleghorne, England were downed by a double from Mirco Pruijser and one from Mink van der Weerden. Continue reading
