Great Britain guaranteed another Olympic medal as the women’s hockey team reached their first final with a superb 3-0 win over New Zealand in Rio.
Alex Danson’s double and Helen Richardson-Walsh’s penalty stroke mean GB will win at least silver, improving on their bronze at London 2012.
They face the Netherlands, who are aiming for a third straight Olympic gold, in Friday’s final at 21:00 BST.
Team GB have won 50 medals in Rio, more than at any other overseas Olympics.
“To fight for an Olympic medal is what gets us up every morning, let alone to be in a gold medal match,” said Britain defender Crista Cullen, who came out of retirement in 2015.
“We are hugely proud of where we have got.”
Britain have only won two Olympic women’s hockey medals – both bronze – in 1992 and 2012.
Analysis
GB Olympic hockey gold medallist David Faulkner on BBC Radio 5 live:
“I am speechless. You could see the sense of realisation on the girls’ faces. Olympic finals do not come along like buses. They have earned their place in the final and everyone in the country should be proud of what they have done.”
BBC Sport’s Luke Reddy in Rio:
“From missing the opening ceremony for fear of standing up too long to imposing their own social media ban for the Games, this Great Britain side are focused to the core.
“That was evident as they soaked up pressure and took their chances expertly against a side higher in the global rankings.
“If rigid focus isn’t enough to win gold, consider momentum. Along with a 100% record on the field, off the field Team GB’s army of friends and family get louder and louder. You get the sense something special is happening.
“Team GB were flawless against New Zealand, but the Netherlands are the side everyone feared. Hitting an even higher level will be a necessity.”
