TOKYO (AP) – German women’s hockey team has successfully started the Olympic tournament in Tokyo. Coach Xavier Wrestling’s team won 2: 1 (1: 1) against Rio Olympic champions Great Britain in the scorching heat at the Oy Hockey Stadium.

Victoria Hughes (24th min / 7m) and Charlotte Steppenhost (33rd) scored for Germany. Sarah Jones (13) led the British 1-0 on Sunday.

“I’m so glad the girls turned the game around and brought home more than that! It’s a very scary start, so we need to discuss some things later. But I’m with the game management for the Olympic opening game. Revitalize now and focus entirely on India!”

For the German team that won the Olympic bronze five years ago, the match against India continues on Monday (2.15 / CEST). The other rivals of “Danas” who call the team are Ireland, South Africa, the world and European champions the Netherlands. The top four from the group of six qualified for the quarterfinals.

After a weak start, the German women found their best way into the game – even as the British failed on penalty corners. Only in the 1-0 lead did Jones change one of the ten penalty corners awarded to the Olympic champion. “Our corner defense was terrible, but it’s incredibly tiring. After an increase in performance, Germany battled heartily and passionately for a major victory in the difficult group, after a yellow card against Victoria Hughes (54th), even when they were outnumbered.

Nike Lawrence, captain of the German national hockey team, ran with a rainbow band in his left sock. As a symbol of sexual diversity, Lawrence wore a colorful dharani for months at some of the games at the European Championships – thus creating a sensation around the world.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210725-99-515099 / 2