Following a fruitless first quarter short on action, the Pool B match sprung into life in the second as Germany's Eileen Hoffmann deflected a shot from Kristina Hillman past Scotland goalkeeper Amy Gibson.

Scotland went close to drawing level at the start of the second half when Rebecca Merchant managed to weave her way through the German defence, but within moments of losing possession, they nearly found themselves further behind as a counter-attack led by Hillman ended with her striking the post.

There was no let-off for Scotland though in the 42nd minute as Germany’s Cecile Pieper presented team mate Marie Mavers with a simple tap-in after an impressive run.

The final quarter saw Scotland win two penalty corners in quick succession, and the second was rewarded when Nikki Kidd struck the ball into the back of the net.

Despite pushing for a late equaliser it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Germany managed to hold out for a 2-1 success.

"We are happy with the result, but I think we will draw a line under this game," said Germany’s Janne Muller-Wieland.

"We have played Scotland a lot recently, perhaps we know each other too well.

"Now we concentrate on the next game and prepare for the semi-finals."

Scotland have now lost their opening two Pool B matches, but defender Becky Ward remains upbeat.

"We took our time to settle and play our game plan, but we regained this at half time and really took the game to Germany," she said.

"We wanted to just run them as close as we could."

The other Pool B encounter saw hosts England move level on six points with Germany thanks to a 2-0 victory against Italy.

England were left frustrated by their opponents for much of the contest and it wasn't until the end of the third quarter that Helen Richardson-Walsh made the breakthrough, touching in a shot from team mate Sophie Bray.

They then went on to seal the win in the dying moments as Bray pounced on a loose ball in the circle to fire home.

England's next fixture pits them against Germany on Wednesday (August 26) with top spot in the group up for grabs, while Scotland play Italy on the same day in a battle to avoid finishing bottom.

Tomorrow's action is due to see the conclusion of the initial Pool stage in the men's competition.

In Pool A, table toppers The Netherlands face Russia before England go up against Spain with a semi-final spot at stake.

Meanwhile, Belgium do battle with Ireland in the second of two Pool B encounters after Germany's meeting with France.


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