Great Britain edged out by Germany in bronze medal match

• Marco Miltkau’s 40^th minute strike enough to seal win for Germany
• Germany pick up bronze medal, Great Britain forced to settle for fourth
• In earlier match Belgium beat Korea to take 5^th place
• Australia vs. India for gold medal set for action at 815pm
• Tickets for the Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy are on sale now, with. For all the event details click here

Great Britain 0 (0)

Germany 1 (0)
Marco Miltkau 40 (FG)

Marco Miltkau’s 40^th minute goal was enough to down Great Britain and hand Germany the bronze medal from the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy. The German No22 struck his fourth goal of the tournament to see off Great Britain who despite a number of chances could not find an equaliser.

Great Britain showed great attacking intent from the first whistle. Within the opening minute they had won a penalty corner. Ashley Jackson stepped up and rifled a rocket drag flick at goal but Nico Jacobi turned it over the bar with a stunning save. Nick Catlin looked lively and did well to find some space in the circle but his backhand shot hit the woodwork. Bobby Crutchley’s side were in the ascendancy but Germany were still dangerous on the break. A lovely individual run from Florian Fuchs almost gave them the opener but George Pinner got a toe on the ball to make a fine stop. Great Britain won another penalty corner and worked a different routine with Jackson slipping the ball to Sam Ward who couldn’t quite find the power to beat Jacobi.

Germany came back into the contest in the second quarter and a good run along the baseline from Tom Herzbruch forced Pinner into the action, smothering well. Miltkau hit a nice snapshot but it only found the side netting. Germany soon won their first penalty corner and Lukas Windfeder thought he’d given his side the lead, but somehow Pinner diverted it around the post. Great Britain’s best chance of the second quarter came from some good link up play between Barry Middleton and Ward but the latter’s shot flashed wide and it was goalless at the break.

Right at the start of the third quarter Herzbruch showed the defence a clean pair of heels and smashed a backhand shot against the cross bar, a great effort on goal. Undeterred, the hosts broke forwards and Gleghorne’s run almost set up the marauding Harry Martin but he couldn’t quite apply the finish.

Germany then forced two penalty corners in quick succession. Tom Grambusch went for goal both times but Pinner stood firm to keep both out. Germany had the ball in the net with five minutes left in the quarter. Herzbruch broke into the circle and slid the ball to Miltkau who applied the finish, ensuring Germany were ahead going into the last 15 minutes.

At the start of the fourth quarter Oliver Korn threatened to make it 2-0 but Pinner dashed from his line to snuff out the danger. Great Britain were pushing hard for an equaliser but were finding it difficult to break the Germans down. Lewers’ hard hit cross was almost diverted in by Weir as the pressure increased. As they did against Belgium, with four minutes left, Great Britain went to a kicking back. Immediately they were on the front foot and another Lewers long pass found Jackson but his attempted tip in went the wrong side of the post. With the seconds ticking down, Mikey Hoare cut into the circle and with the crowd roaring him on, his backhand shot was deflected wide, taking with it Great Britain’s chances of salvaging the game and the bronze medal.

In the earlier game, Belgium took fifth place after beating Korea 4-3. The gold medal match between Australia and India is currently taking place.

Adam Dixon, Great Britain:

“It’s hard to play against Germany; they’re arguably the best defence in the world. We controlled vast parts of the game, and to put them on the back foot is a positive. It’s a shame that we couldn’t convert that possession into real chances and good opportunities. We got into the circle a bit, but it would have been nice to get more shots on target and more penalty corners, and that’s something we’re going to have to work on if we want to be successful in tournaments.

To have this many games so close to Rio is really important for us – even better that it’s on home soil. It’s great to have hockey in London, in front of family and friends to showcase what we’re about. We would have struggled for games if this tournament wasn’t on – so we’re really glad the fans have all come out to support us, and for the volunteers that help make this tournament happen.”

Sam Ward, Great Britain:

“At the end of the day, you come out here and try and perform the best you can, so that’s what I’ve done. The team have stuck together and we’re disappointed with today’s result. We did everything today but score, so we can hold our heads up high.

Playing at home is a fantastic experience; to get the home support is incredible. People really want to cheer us on, and the sport is getting bigger, which is a big thing for us – growing the game and making sure that people want to take part.”

The women’s Hockey Champions Trophy  begins tomorrow and tickets are on sale now. For all the event details click here.

Great Britain team vs. Korea
Starting XI

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