Rio 2016: Confidence building in GB hockey camp - Middleton

Middleton’s men came into their third pool game at Rio 2016 having yet to pick up a win in two attempts, losing to Belgium 4-1 and drawing 2-2 with New Zealand.

However they put that record straight with a free-scoring performance in which Doncaster-born Middleton, Ashley Jackson and Sam Ward both helped themselves to two goals each.

Hosts Brazil are the weakest team in pool A, losing 7-0 and 12-0 to Spain and Belgium before taking on Great Britain.

But despite the level of their opposition, Middleton was still delighted to see his troops record a morale-boosting win ahead of playing Australia in the early hours of tomorrow.

“It was good fun getting some goals out there and I think it shows what we are capable of as a team,” he said.

“I feel like we are definitely growing into this tournament and that is a good sign.

“Today was important to get our confidence up in this tournament.

“Australia will be a completely different game and we will have to defend a lot more but we did a lot of things right against Brazil and we need to keep that up. It is probably a must-win game for us now.”

“Playing Brazil in Rio was great,” added Middleton. “You want an atmosphere to play to really get you going.

“It was really good fun because we all want to be playing on the biggest stage in front of the biggest crowds.”

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