RIO DE JANEIRO: Great Britain won their first Olympic Games women’s hockey gold medal on Friday with a dramatic shoot-out triumph over two-time defending champions the Netherlands. The British twice came from behind in normal time to draw 3-3 and then clinched a 2-0 shoot-out victory. It was the Dutch team’s first loss at an Olympics since 2004 – after a run of 21 wins – and shattered their bid to become the first team to win three successive gold medals. Goalkeeper Maddie Hinch played the starring role for the British team, pulling off four saves in the shoot-out. “Every time we play Holland they usually put us under the pump and we have to ride those periods and make sure we take those chances at the other end,” said Hinch. “So I knew I’d have a role to play today and I’m just pleased I let the nerves settle and put the goals (conceded) to bed and moved on. I’m really pleased with my performance.”
Britain, playing in their first final, had only won two bronze medals at past Games, in 1992 and 2012. But they were in front in the opening period when Lily Owsley scored from close range after Sophie Bray had dribbled past three defenders. Kitty van Male levelled in the first minute of the second period, firing the ball into the top corner of the goal. Maartje Paumen, bidding for her third gold, put her side in front with a penalty corner. But the lead lasted only a minute when Crista Cullen shot past an off-balance Joyce Sombroek in the Dutch goal. The faster, quick-breaking Dutch restored their lead for a second time through van Male after a well-worked penalty corner had caught the British defence cold.
But with eight minutes left, Nicola White saved Britain with a close-range effort after a goal-mouth scramble. In the shoot-out, both sides missed their first two attempts but Britain grabbed the lead when Bray was fouled as she took her turn. Helen Richardson-Walsh converted the ensuing penalty stroke. Margot van Geffen then hit the post which paved the way for Hollie Webb to smash home the gold medal winner. “I’m so proud to be British. So proud to be a part of Team GB. So proud of this right now,” said Webb. “If that just inspired anyone to pick up a hockey stick, any age, any gender, anyone can get involved, then our job has been done.” Victory was also a personal triumph for Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh who were believed to be the first married gay couple to compete at an Olympics. Earlier Friday, Germany defeated New Zealand 2-1 to win the bronze medal.