BrendanCreedis not used to scoring goals. So when the 27-year-old defender popped up to score the second of five goals that Great Britain scored against Germany in their first match of two, he was understandably delighted.
“I haven’t scored a goal in five years so euphoria was probably the best word to describe it. When it’s been five years you aren’t really prepared for the emotion you feel and it just came out in my celebrations.”
Great Britain hit the turf at Lee Valley in some style as they beat Germany 5-3 and 3-1. ForCreed, the two matches were a culmination of months of preparation.
“It was really nice to be back at Lee Valley, it had been a long time since we played there. The hot weather trip we had to Malaysia [in April] had been good for the team and we took a lot of learnings from that trip.
“All the training that we have done all just came together. People had got used to each other in game time and that showed. The beauty of the group that we have is that we don’t rely on one person.”
The next two matches are FIH Hockey Pro League games against Spain. Currently, the Spanish side are ninth in the league with two wins to their name. They will be wanting to finish the league in winning fashion butCreedbelieves Great Britain – who are currently in sixth position in the league – are gathering momentum ahead of a few months that will see both sides competing at the EuroHockey Championships and the Olympic Games [as England for the EuroHockey Championships and Great Britain in Tokyo].
“The Spanish team will have great 1v1 skills and they are very good at counter attacking and corners. We will need to make sure we are prepared to deal with players who attack with no fear and are happy to take people on,” saysCreed.
“For our part, we are building on what we have been doing. We are now stamping our game style on people.”
At the Lee Valley Hockey Stadium, the national governing body England Hockey have relaxed spectator restrictions to allow 200 family and friends into the stadium to watch the matches. This will be the last time families will be able to see the Great Britain athletes in action before the squad leaves for Tokyo.Creedexplained that he hadn’t seen his parents for a long time and many other athletes were in the same position. “Emotions may be a little higher but it won’t impact our performance,” he says. “But it will be great to see them after the game and relax with them.”
“There is just so much excitement about getting out there and playing hockey again. That is what it is all about for us.”
Great Britain will face Spain on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May at 13:00 and 12:00 (BST) respectively, at the Lee Valley Hockey Stadium in London.
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