Team Great Britain hopes of qualifying for Olympics women’s hockey tournament dealt a blow with loss to Belgium

Great Britain’s hopes of qualifying for the Olympics women’s hockey tournament have been dealt a blow following a 3-2 loss to Belgium, who will play at their first Games since London 2012.

The team booked a place at Paris 2024 with a terrific semi-final win over Team GB, who must beat Ireland in a third place play-off on Saturday to seal their place in France.

Belgium’s Barbara Nelen scored the opening goal of the qualifying match in the first quarter, before Tessa Howard equalised in the second.

A goal from Stephanie Vanden Borre in the third quarter gave Belgium back the lead, but the moment was not without controversy.

The British player believed the ball had been deflected in off Alix Gerniers’s shoulder, which would have led to the goal being disallowed.

The deflection was not picked up on in real time, and the British players were too slow to make a review appeal. The goal subsequently stood.

Justine Rasir scored Belgium’s third with five minutes left, and a late goal from Ellie Rayer was not enough for Britain to turn around the result.

“I think we are extremely disappointed and frustrated with things in that game,” Britain’s Hollie Pearne-Webb said.

“Pleased with the performance as a whole, [there are] a few things we have to tidy up.”

Following Spain’s victory over Ireland on penalties, they will subsequently make their eighth appearance in the women’s hockey tournament at the Olympic Games, while Belgium are set to feature for the second time.

“I am super happy and proud with how my team played,” said Nelen, who was named player of the match. “After 12 years, it’s better late than never.”

It would be considered a shock if Britain missed out on a place at Paris 2024, having earned gold at Rio 2016, and bronze at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.

The British men’s team are also still in contention, having set up a semi-final encounter against New Zealand on Saturday after beating China 6-0 in their final group stage match.