Hope Powell Hope Powell
prev next

Hope's Team GB pride

Hope Powell praises her history-making side despite quarter final exit.


Team GB 0-2 Canada
London 2012 Olympics
Women's Football Quarter Final
7.30pm, Friday 3 August 2012
City Of Coventry Stadium
Live on BBC3

Team GB Head Coach Hope Powell told her side they have made history and should be proud of their achievements despite going out of the Olympic Games at the quarter final stage after a 2-0 defeat to Canada in Coventry.

A perfect group stage campaign, which culminated in victory at Wembley over Brazil, had raised expectations ahead of the last eight clash – but goals from Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair in the first-half proved decisive.

But Powell insists her team should be proud of themselves despite their early exit.

“I think its been fantastic, the fact that so many people have came out to support us,” said Powell.

“It's a little sad that we are out but they are history makers, have done themselves proud, the country proud, and more importantly women's football proud.”

But Powell had no complaints after the defeat, although she lamented the absence of the injured Kelly Smith.

She said: “They scored two goals and we didn't. They were quickest out of the blocks and were very physical.

“We missed Kelly tonight but it was the right decision not to play her. You have to give Canada credit. We got better but unfortunately couldn't find the goal.

“You cant take anything away from Canada, they play well tonight. We were a bit leggy but credit to the girls, they did fantastically well but not enough unfortunately.”