Classy GB Women Advance To Semi-Finals With Monumental 8-1 Win Over Malaysia

GB Women registered a monumental 8-1 win over Malaysia to advance to the semi-final of the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Valencia on Tuesday. With this win, they finished in second position in Group B, with eight points in three matches.

Hannah French (17', 59'), Tess Howard (24', 30') and Giselle Ansley (27', 43') each netted twice, while Izzy Petter (19') and Sarah Jones (29') chipped in with a goal each in their team's comprehensive win. Nur Azhar (56') scored the lone goal for Malaysia.

GB got off the blocks swiftly, making inroads inside Malaysia's circle with a structured attack, dominating the ball possession, but couldn't cause much danger. Their first real attack came in the 9th minute when Ellie Rayer took the shot at goal, but the Malaysian goalie made the save. They went on to make a series of chances, but couldn't take advantage of the opportunities - ending the quarter at 0-0.

GB started the second quarter aggressively and broke the deadlock in the 17th minute through French's deflection during a penalty corner routine. Two minutes later, GB doubled the lead as Petter found the back of the net in front of the goal with a stunning pass from Howard at the baseline following a quick run from the right flank.

They added two more goals in quick succession. While Howard scored the third goal from open play in the 24th minute, Ansley's high drag-flick during a penalty corner helped GB take a 4-0 lead in the 27th minute.

The GB onslaught continued with two additional goals in the 29th and 30th minutes, respectively. Jones contributed the fifth goal, capitalising on Robertson's pass during the penalty corner routine. Following that, Howard scored a stunning field goal, concluding the first half with a commanding 6-0 lead.

GB started the third quarter in a similar fashion. They played the majority of the quarter in the Malaysian half. They went on to score the seventh goal through Ansley's penalty corner conversion in the 43rd minute, ending the third quarter with a 7-0 lead.

Although it was one-way traffic in the final quarter, Malaysia did manage to score a goal through Azhar from an open play in the 56th minute. GB responded with yet another goal as French duly converted a penalty corner to help her team secure a massive 8-1 win and the semi-finals berth.

GB will face the table toppers of Group A in the Semi-Final 2 on January 18, 2024, at 14:30 UK Time, watch live on BBC Sport and red button.