It was a bright start from Britain though, whose approach play was good and they almost created a chance early on when Ashley Jackson (pictured right) sent the ball dangerously across the face of the goal.

They were stunned though with less than five minutes on the clock when Germany, on their first attack, struck as Benjamin Wess cut the ball back to Martin Zwicker, who was unmarked and shot through James Fair.

Britain continued to dominate possession as they looked to make amends for an 8-1 defeat to Spain earlier in the week, but Germany were proving a danger on the break and Wess almost made it 2-0 but shot over when well placed.

Simon Mantell then went close for Britain, before Glenn Kirkham finally brought them back on level terms with a drive past Nicolas Jacobi in the German goal after 22 minutes.

The goal seemed to spark Germany, who pressed in search of a goal, with Florian Fuchs been kept out brilliantly after Fair and then Adam Dixon blocked his efforts.

With the score 1-1 at the break there was all to play for but Germany continued to threaten, whilst Britain looked dangerous themselves when on the attack.

Mantell and Barry Middleton played in Iain Mackay, but he was unable to convert a decent chance, and Germany defended well when tested throughout the period.

Jackson went close once more late on as Britain pressed for the winner, but they were stunned in the last minute of the game by Germany, who won a penalty corner found their captain Jan-Marco Montag, and he flicked the ball past Fair to win it.

Jason Lee, Britain's head coach, was disappointed to have come away with nothing from a game in which his side acquitted themselves well.

"I thought we played very well for most of the game and didn't deserve to lose," he said.

"We controlled the game for long periods but just didn't have the killer instinct to get ahead.

"In terms of positives coming from this tournament there are plenty.

"We are trying lots of different tactical things and the performances of Harry Martin, Iain Lewers and Mark Gleghorne in their first Champions Trophy are reasons for optimism looking ahead."

Britain will hope for better fortune when they face South Korea on Saturday (December 10), who lost 6-2 to Pakistan today..

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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