Austria seem to be emerging as the team most likely to upset the balance of power in the Olympic Qualifiers in Santiago. They beat what was generally believed to be the best of the outsiders when they recorded a 4-3 win against Chile, and yesterday they were holding India at 2-2 at half time before eventually losing 7-3. Chile recorded their first win yesterday – 4-0 against Mexico.
Great Britain’s win yesterday gives them maximum points from two games and a lead in the table on goal difference ahead of India. Goal difference may well prove academic at the end of the day because, if matches go to form, it will all be down to the final between the two nations.
Yesterday’s match between GB and Russia saw GB take an early lead when Barry Middleton got on the end of a rebound from a Richard Mantell penalty corner strike. Glenn Kirkham scored his first GB goal minutes later, when Rogov saved the first shot at goal from a corner and Kirkham was on hand to slot it home. The Russians had no answer to further goals from Middleton and Kirkham and goals from Matt Daly, Mark Ralph and James Tindall. Final score 8-0.
Today (Monday) is a rest day. GB are next in action tomorrow when they play Chile. They meet India of Thursday and Austria on Saturday.
