Cullen desperate to lead GB to knock-out stages

CRISTA CULLEN believes form will count for nothing when she bids to keep her Great Britain Olympic medal hope alive against the USA.

_{CRISTA CLEAR: GB hockey ace Cullen is desperate for GB to keep their hopes alive against USA}

The 22-year-old hasn't tasted defeat since Britain's opening match against Olympic champions Germany - drawing with No.2 seeds Argentina and seeing off the charges of New Zealand and Japan.

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America failed to win their opening three games but found confidence battering New Zealand 4-1 as they attempt to end their Olympic campaign on a high.

Team GB sit third in Pool B - one point away from the Argentineans and former Nottingham Trent University student Cullen admitted there will be no shortage of inspiration against the American's.

"The team is building in confidence now and we all positive heading into the match against the USA," said Cullen - who will be joined by fellow Nottingham stars Anne Panter and Helen Richardson. "I don't think world rankings lie but our ranking of tenth is possibly lower than it should be.

"America aren't that far below us but because we didn't qualify for Athens we were dealt with a tough group.

"But we have come through it well and everyone honestly believes that on our day we can beat anyone.

"The Olympics are such that anything is possible and we just need to make sure we are on our day again against America and we continue our good form."

Cullen - who made her international debut five years ago -must hope Germany who line up against Japan or No.2 seeds Argentina who face New Zealand fail to win in order to qualify for the latter stages.

Britain last won an Olympic medal 16 years ago when they picked up bronze in Barcelona and Cullen has vowed to give it her all as Team GB attempt to secure a surprise semi-final place.

"We had a tough start against Germany and Argentina," she added. "But the Olympics are the pinnacle of our sport so no matter which game you are going it play you are always going to treat it as a final.

"We are all focussed but we need to make sure we do the easy things and let everything else take care of itself."

MATTHEW DAVIS in Beijing