GB's inspiration
- Thursday,
Team GB 1-0 Uruguay
London 2012 Olympic Games
7.45pm, Wednesday 1 August 2012
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Live on BBC3
Team GB Men's Head Coach Stuart Pearce revealed that the medal haul of the nation in the last few days has proved a real inspiration to his players and staff.
Pearce's side secured their place in the London 2012 quarter final with a deserved victory over Uruguay on Tuesday night, just hours after GB had won their first gold medals of the 2012 Olympics through rowers Heather Stanning and Helen Glover and cyclist Bradley Wiggins and with most of the squad having watched the events, there was a natural confidence going into the game in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
"The feel-good factor is spreading and we are delighted to play our part by getting out of the group," said Pearce.
"I have also got to mention the women's team defeating Brazil on Tuesday, it gave us a good lift."
"I am delighted to be out of the group, looking back you can see how tough it was, but I think over three matches we deserved to come top, the team has got stronger and stronger."
GB will now play South Korea in the knock-out phase on Saturday evening, again in Cardiff and Pearce is delighted that his squad's involvement continues into the second week of the Olympics.
"It excites me to stay in the competition for at least one more match because we have improved game-by-game, the fitness levels are improving, as is the understanding," he explained.
"Now it is about recovery and preparing for Saturday. My feet are on the floor and I'm aware of the magnitude of the next game in front of us.
"I watched South Korea when they beat Senegal 3-1 in a friendly at Stevenage. They are a hard working side. We did not know who we would be playing in the quarter finals if we got through but we have had scouts at every game and we have footage of them playing."
Naturally Pearce doesn't want to look too far ahead just yet, but with the prospect of his side being in with a chance of collecting a medal, he believes anything is now possible.
"We have only ever planned and prepared to win the tournament," he added.
"The coaches of all the teams in the last eight know they will have two shots at getting a medal if they get to the semis.
"Even if you are unsuccessful in the semi-finals you get the shot at the bronze, so the importance of this next game is very high."
