Team GB men’s hockey survive scare against South African PART-TIMERS to score late equaliser in Olympic group stage – as masked hero Sam Ward leads the late comeback

Sam Ward is no stranger to overcoming challenges, so a last-minute deficit in an Olympic group match posed no threat to him.

He competes wearing a mask due to an injury suffered from a penalty corner against Malaysia six years ago that left his eye socket shattered.

Ward was instrumental in pushing the team towards a series of late penalty corners that eventually led to an equalizer against a South African team mainly supported by crowdfunding efforts.

Britain’s difficulties, having fallen behind twice, highlighted not the weaknesses of a second-ranked team yearning to break a 36-year medal drought, but rather the formidable spirit of South Africa.

The match was fast-paced, reflecting the all-out attacking style promoted by British coach Ben Revington.

Attacker Sam Ward has worn a protective face mask since a ball shattered his eye socket from a penalty corner against Malaysia six years ago, leading to Team GB’s late rally.

A timely goal from Rupert Shipperley, assisted by Sam Ward from a penalty corner, salvaged a 2-2 draw.

Team GB aspires to replicate the success of the 1988 Seoul Olympics when the men’s team clinched gold.

Despite being ranked 13th, South Africa put up a formidable fight against the second-ranked Team GB.

However, the 13th ranked side showed their determination, which was evident in their thrilling match against the Dutch on Saturday.

The upcoming match will be critical to gauge if Revington’s ambitious, attacking squad can mirror the achievements of the iconic British squad from Seoul 1988.

The Dutch national team, the top-ranked side, is preparing to make a statement against host France while Revington’s players fought hard for their draw.

Jip Janssen, posing a similar threat from set pieces as Ward, is a key player the British team must anticipate.

Floris Middendorp and Thijs van Dam will also provide challenges based on this performance. The Dutch team is serious about their endeavors.

Both their men’s and women’s teams avoid handshakes and instead opt for fist bumps.

Last night’s resilient comeback will bolster Great Britain, even as the women’s team faced a disappointing start with a 2-1 loss to Spain.

Head coach Ben Revington, often compared to Pep Guardiola, faced a close call with his all-out-attack strategy against the underdog South African team.

Team GB is set to clash with the world No. 1 ranked Netherlands on Tuesday at Yves-du-Manoir.

Phillip Roper managed to equalize after Britain fell behind initially. South Africa scored again just seven minutes from the end.

With only a minute remaining, Ward executed a crucial flick at the third penalty corner, allowing Rupert Shipperley to secure the equalizer.

‘We are always prepared for adversity,’ Shipperley remarked. ‘Our training equips us for such moments, and we recognize our multiple threats in scenarios like the one that earned us the late equalizer.’