Athens 2004 Olympic Games - Men
Game 17 - GBR v ESP
19 August 2004
Start Time: 18:30
1 GBR
 
Barry Middleton (FG) 56:37
5 ESP
 
Pol Amat (FG) 06:32
Santiago Freixa (FG) 31:33
Santiago Freixa (PC) 33:34
Pol Amat (FG) 37:50
Xavier Ribas (PC) 61:02
Final score - GBR 1 ESP 5
TimeCommentary
70:00Full time. A convincing performance from ESP who have eliminated GBR from the medals. ESP looked potent up front, and tight at the back. They are now back in the race for the medals, fighting for a top 2 place in pool A with GER and PAK. PC count: GBR 1 ESP 6.
69:34GBR continuing to run hard in their midfield, but to no avail. ESP have complete control over the game and are passing the ball effectively around the field.
67:58The Ribas drag flick is again slowed by the GBR runner. GBR clear to the sideline.
67:18ESP earn their 6th corner after a GBR stick check in the circle. The sting well and truly gone from the game now.
64:38ESP earn their 5th corner from a GBR stick check on yet another fast break into the circle. The ibas drag flick is stopped by the GBR runner and Mason clears to the sideline.
64:04Aguilar shoots for ESP from the right and Mason makes a very good save. GBR try to push into attack. Apart from Middleton`s shot and goal, GBR have rarely been in their circle.
61:02
Goal
The trap is missed, although Ribas manages to dribble into the circle and then hit the ball past Mason. Poor defence from GBR who did not push up onto Ribas after the trap was missed. ESP 5-1.
59:43ESP work the ball into their circle and they earn their 4th corner and 1st for the half from a GBR foot.
56:37
Goal
Finally the huge crowd of GBR fans have something to cheer about. Middleton sprints into the circle from the left and hits GBR`s first goal past Herrera from the top of the circle. The chants "GB, GB" go up around the stands.
49:19GBR with their first real chance to score for some time when Hall picked up a pass wide left. He ran into the circle on the backline, crossed the ball to Stott although the pass went behind him. ESP regain the ball.
47:12The match still being largely played in the middle of the field at low pace, and then a fast break. GBR tackling well in deep defence, stopping another 3 very quick breaks into the circle by the ESP strikers and then clearing to their own midfield.
42:30The difference between these two teams at present are the striker lines. Both teams usin the same tactics of falling away on the press, and then trying to counterattack in the space in front once a turnover is created. ESP strikers are lightening fast and have great finishing power. GBR have had to scramble twice in the last 2 mins on these breaks. GBR have the same chances, but are unable to get close to creating a shot.
37:50
Goal
Amat picks up a loose ball ibn the circle wide left and then smashes his second reverse stick shot into the backboards from a tight angle. ESP 4-0.
37:31The 2nd half is underway, with GBR off to a good start into attack. ESP stop their forward movement and then counter themselves. Mason saves a close range shot from Escarre.
35:00Half time. An odd half, with a long period in the middle where neither team had an ascendancy. ESP scored 2 goals late in the half which has essentially blown the game apart, and GBR have a huge ask to come back from here. PC count: GBR 0 ESP 3.
33:34
Goal
Freixa scores his second for the match after the variation left finds him in the clear. He drag flicks the ball into the net. ESP 3-0.
33:09ESP earn their 3rd corner after the restart from a GBR foot in the circle.
31:33
Goal
Freixa scores a spectacular field goal after ESP attacking quickly up the middle of the firled. Friexa smashes the ball high into the net over the sliding Mason to give ESP a 2-0 lead.
30:39Its more of the same with both teams clogging the midfield, and the occassional fast break after a change of possession.
26:56The drag flick is wide right. GBR breathe again and push into their midfield.
25:42ESP finally move into deep attack and they earn their 2nd corner for the game after GBR foot.
18:28A slow game at present. When GBR have the ball, ESP fall right away to block up the midfield. When ESP have the ball, the reverse occurs. As such, there are long periods of defenders passing the ball to each other, a long pass and then a change of possession.
15:11GBR lift the ball and ESP get the free hit. ESP taking their time to move forward.
14:14GBR have pushed out of defence and are looking to control the ball in their midfield as ESP fall back to a half court press. GBR have a free hit on top of the circle. A chance to equalise...
12:46ESP have GBR pinned in their deep defence. They are working the ball around their circle looking for a way in.
11:17The game has finally settled after the hectic start from both teams. GBR and ESP having equal possession in the last 4 mins, although ESP look very dangerous when they have the ball in space going forward. GBR having to work hard in defence to keep up with the fast strikers.
06:32
Goal
Amat opens the scoring for ESP. He trapped the ball from a right side cross on the top of the circle, ran left and then backsticked a shot through Mason`s legs. ESP strikers are dynamite on their reverse. ESP 1-0.
03:28GBR score after a right side cross is hit above head height into the circle. Ribas (ESP) missed the ball and Middleton swatted the ball into the net. GBR celebrate, and ESP surround the umpire, claiming the ball was dangerous. The umpire rules a goal although after consultation, reverses the decision and ESP regain the ball. A hectic start to the match!
02:01An early corner for ESP in the opening play. The Freixa low drag flick is well saved by Mason. ESP long corner.
00:49A crunch game for both teams. The winner keeps their medal hopes alive. The loser is out of the race. ESP have been in good form so far this tournament, but unable to defeat KOR or GER with 2 draws. GBR defeated EGY and lost narrowly to KOR.