Play-offs loom for improving Brits

Kerly hails Britain's performance

Former hockey star Sean Kerly says Great Britain can still exit the Olympics with some pride after defeating Germany 2-1.

This victory was vital for Great Britain, it's just a shame it didn't come earlier.

We started slowly and now they have only just woken up. Nevertheless, although we're out of the medal prospects, at least we have recovered a lot of pride.

Those extra two points may not seem like much to the uninitiated, but they have elevated us from last in the group - to fourth.

Now we get a chance to fight in the play-off system and should we be successful - could even finish the tournament in fifth position.

That would significantly improve our world ranking and would reflect on the funding the side gets - so it's still all to play for as long as the lads are concerned.

Gritty

One victory has opened the door, so it's a good example of how important it is never to give up.

Saying that, it hasn't been a good tournament for Britain. We started poorly and they looked a bit of a shower when they let in eight goals against Pakistan, quite frankly.

They will be understandably disappointed to have gone out so quickly, but that's what happens if you don't play to your full potential.

There's no doubt the team has improved and this victory was their best performance by far.

It was a gritty performance and it makes me wonder whether we tried to play too much hockey against the other top sides.

But enough doom and gloom. Great Britain look a different side to the one that started in Sydney. Let's hope the improvement continues.