"VAN" (Olympics Desk - Paris, France - 29.07.2024) :: With the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium bathed in sunshine, the women’s team of Belgium, Germany, Australia and Spain all secured victories in their first matches at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. In the men’s competition, Germany suffered defeat at the hands of Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands emerged triumphant, and South Africa and Great Britain played out a pulsating draw.
Belgium started their Olympic campaign with a hard fought 2-1 victory over China thanks to a superb, roofed finish from Charlotte Engelbert with five minutes remaining. “There were good things and bad things”, said Belgium’s Emma Puvrez on the occasion of her 200th international appearance. “China is a very good team to play against, they're very technical as well as physical so it was a difficult start for us."
Germany also began their quest for gold positively as goals from Charlotte Stapenhorst and Nike Lorenz secured a 2-0 win over Japan. "We created loads of chances but they defended really well”, said Stapenhorst. “I think we're just glad that we got this tournament started."
Germany and Belgium moved level on points with Day 1 winners the Netherlands, with the Oranje’s superior goal difference keeping them top of the standings.
On the other end, Australia and Spain kept pace with Day 1 winners Argentina by snatching narrow wins against South Africa and Great Britain respectively.
The Hockeyroos fought back from a goal down to beat the African continental champions, with Stephanie Kershaw and Tatum Stewart on target to give the three-time Olympic gold medallists a 2-1 win. "It was very tough”, said Australia’s Kaitlyn Nobbs. “They came out with a lot of energy and we tried to match it. But I think we built really well into the game and eventually got the results."
Rio 2016 gold and Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Great Britain suffered defeat in their competition opener, with Barcelona 1992 gold medallists Spain earning a 2-1 triumph courtesy of early goals from Laura Barrios and Lola Reira."[Great Britain] compete very well in these kinds of tournaments”, said Spain’s Reira. “This match was important because it was the first one, but also because we faced them. They have a lot of experience and it gives them strength."
Responses
Leave your comment