- Team GB nearly fell to part-time team South Africa
- Rupert Shipperley’s last-minute goal from a penalty corner saved a draw (2-2)
- Paul Revington’s attacking team now takes on the world number 1, the Netherlands
Sam Ward has suffered enough adversity to concede defeat in the final minutes of an Olympic group stage match, so he has nothing to worry about.
He plays with a mask because he suffered an injury six years ago during a penalty corner against Malaysia, which broke his eye socket.
He was the one who led the team to the final stages of the series of three penalty corners, which resulted in the equaliser in the closing stages against a South African team that consisted mainly of part-timers who were able to be here through crowdfunding.
Britain’s struggle to gain a foothold – they fell behind twice – was more a reflection of South Africa’s stubbornness than the shortcomings of a team ranked second in the world and eager to end a 36-year medal drought.
It was a fast-paced match that lived up to the philosophy of British coach Ben Revington, namely an all-out attack.
Striker Sam Ward has been wearing a protective face mask since a ball shattered his eye socket after a penalty corner against Malaysia six years ago and he helped lead Team GB’s late recovery
A late goal from Rupert Shipperley, set up by Sam Ward from a penalty corner, saved a 2-2 draw
Team GB hope to emulate the heroes of Seoul 1988, when the men’s team won gold
South Africa are only 13th in the world rankings but they gave second-placed Team GB the fright of their lives
But the team in 13th place had a relentless drive, which is why they led in a thrilling match against the Dutch on Saturday.
The next challenge will tell us most about whether Revington’s beloved attacking team can emulate the gold-winning British heroes of Seoul in 1988.
The Dutch, world number 1, who face Great Britain on Tuesday, showed their intentions against hosts France, while Revington’s players fought out a draw.
Jip Janssen, who is just as dangerous from short angles as Ward, is a player the British team must be ready for.
Floris Middendorp and Thijs van Dam also on this evidence. The Dutch mean it.
Their men’s and women’s teams never shake hands, only bump fists.
Last night’s comeback will boost Britain’s standings despite a day in which the women’s team began with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Spain.
Head coach Ben Revington has been compared to Pep Guardiola and his all-out attacking approach almost backfired against the lower-ranked South African side.
Team GB will face world number 1 Netherlands on Tuesday at Stade Yves-du-Manoir.
Phillip Roper equalised after Great Britain trailed early on. Seven minutes from time, South Africa scored again.
With just a minute left on the clock, Ward fired the third penalty corner to Rupert Shipperley to secure the point.
“We’re always prepared for adversity,” Shipperley said. “We train for moments like that. We know we have a lot of threats from positions like the one we won in the end.”