Great Britain extended their lead in the 47th minute when a defensive blunder gave away a penalty stroke which Helen Richardson-Walsh slotted past Rutherford.
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The Dutch dream of a history-making third successive women’s Olympic hockey gold medal remains very much alive after defeating Germany in a drama-filled shoot-out after the match finished with the scores locked at 1-1, reports International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Great Britain’s Helen Richardson-Walsh was thrilled with their historic achievement.”I’m over the moon”, she said.
The second proved telling, Cullen’s initial drag flick rebuffed by Rutherford, only for Danson’s strike on the rebound to thread its way home through the Kiwi defence.
“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.
Earlier, the Netherlands defeated Germany 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation play, although it took 14 shots before Ellen Hoog scored the game victor. The gold medal match between the Netherlands and Great Britain will get underway at 17:00.
Some lovely approach play from Lily Owsley nearly set up Bray but she couldn’t quite get a touch on the pass. Owsley was starting to cause the Blacksticks real problems and linked well with Helen Richardson-Walsh to earn Great Britain a penalty corner.
Three minutes into the final quarter Great Britain grabbed the all-important second goal.
“We were confident, we knew they (New Zealand) would just come running at us and they have some excellent ball carriers and we had a game plan just to stop that and then we play our game”. We have got to do it and take our chance.
New Zealand had another penalty corner in the first minute of the second half.
In the third quarter, Christy Cullen was forced to take a moment out after coming out of a tackle with a gash to the head, moments after she returned to play, Georgie Twigg was escorted from the pitch after taking a ball to the face at close range.
“Under pressure they kept delivering, I’m very, very proud of them”.
New Zealand, who beat Antipodean rivals Australia 4-2 to reach the semis, have yet to win a women’s hockey medal but still have a shot at the bronze.
The team included East Grinstead Hockey Club duo Sophie Bray, who was outstanding during the game and Laura Unsworth plus Maddie Hinch from West Chiltington, who was presented with an award for nothcing up her 100th cap.
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GB’s women remain unbeaten throughout the tournament and are now guaranteed a silver medal.
