It was a hard fought game of few chances, but Argentina just about deserved to win a close encounter, with Britain appearing in their first ever final.

Though he will be disappointed at his team's narrow loss, coach Danny Kerry always stressed that the performance was more important than the result, and will be pleased at the competitiveness of his side – Britain have shown that they are a match for anyone in the world having drawn 2-2 with former champions the Netherlands in the group stage.

On the night, a tight first half saw few opportunities in the opening stages as both teams sought to exert their authority on the match.

It was Argentina who came closest in the opening period, forcing a succession of penalty corners which required alert defending to clear.

The closest Britain came to an opportunity was when Nicola White fired in a shot from the top of the Argentina circle which was blocked, but soon they found themselves behind.


Silvina D'Elia struck with a fierce effort after a cleverly worked penalty corner, though Beth Storry (pictured left) may be disappointed that she let the shot between her legs.

It was the first goal Britain had conceded from a penalty corner in the tournament, at the 28th attempt.

Argentina almost made it two within seconds but Storry was quick to scramble away a dangerous ball.

Britain fought back, winning their first penalty corner of the match as the half time whistle neared, but Crista Cullen's accurate strike was deflected away by Rosario Luchetti.

Having been on top in the first half, enjoying more possession than Britain, and earning six penalty corners in all, Argentina went in 1-0 ahead at the break and produced a stubborn defensive performance in the second period to see out the match.

Britain began to see more possession but struggled to make ground in Argentine territory, with the hosts getting players back and closing off the angles, depriving the likes of Helen Richardson (pictured above right) and Alex Danson the chance to get on the ball.

The best chance of the half again came from Argentina, when D'Elia fired just wide, and moments later captain Luciana Aymar danced through the British backline and played a dangerous ball across from which Argentina won another penalty corner, but Kerry's team once again survived.

Having held on following that period of pressure, Britain took control but again were unable to get the ball in dangerous areas to punish their opponents.

White had the best opening when she received the ball in the circle but failed to connect as she attempted a shot and the chance went.


The closest Britain came to an equaliser in the closing stages was when Danson (pictured right) got the ball and played it across goal but it was behind Richardson and with it, the hopes of gold vanished.

Afterwards Kerry said: "I thought Argentina played very well tonight.

"They defended well, they didn't create too many opportunities and their defence held out.

"We started to get back into it in the second half but it wasn't to be.

"We won four, drew one and lost just one in a major world level tournament.

"We've made history tonight winning the silver medal."

Kerry was also looking forward to the Olympics this summer, where Britain will no doubt benefit from the experience of coming so close in a major final.

"We have set ourselves high standards and I have to match the standards that the players have set themselves," he said.

"That is the pressure I feel going into the Olympics."

Britain will hope that the trend for Champions Trophy winners not winning the Olympic Games continues, as the only time the reigning champion has gone on to claim the Olympic crown was Australia in 1996.

For Argentina, it was the fifth time they have won the Champions Trophy, and Aymar was delighted with her team's effort.

"I think the most important thing for us was that we left everything on the field in every match," she said.

"It's something you have to do at this level."

Netherlands won the bronze medal after a 5-4 win over Germany earlier in the day.

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