Olympic champions Germany came back from two goals down to defeat Britain 3-2 in extra-time to clinch the Four Nations title on Saturday.
Britain had taken a commanding 2-0 lead early in the first half when captain Barry Middleton chipped Germany goalkeeper Max Weinholt and James Tindall flicked a penalty corner conversion through Weinholt’s pads.
Germany looked sharper in the second half with Linus Butt reducing the deficit through a penalty corner variation at the left post before Martin Zwicker drove a backstick shot for the equalizer to take the match to extra time where the golden goal rule was in operation.
Jan-Marco Montag scored the winner in the last minute of the first period of extra time.
New Zealand took the bronze medal, beating Japan 4-2.
Meanwhile, Argentina earned a showdown against the Netherlands in yesterday’s women’s Champions Trophy final after England and New Zealand drew 2-2, the Netherlands squeezed a 1-0 win over Germany and Argentina beat China 4-3 on Saturday.
England’s inability to score one more goal against New Zealand cost them a place in the final, as they failed to gain the 12 points needed to advance ahead of Argentina.
Argentina’s victory equaled England’s 10 points but the South Americans secured a final berth with a better goal difference.
Germany goalkeeper Kristina Reynolds parried the Netherlands’ four first half penalty corner shots in the scoreless first half, winning more contested possessions while the Netherlands turned over possession in the midfield and in Germany’s circle.
Kim Lammers’ 50th minute goal earned the Dutch their ninth Champions Trophy final berth.
New Zealand spoilt England’s chance of playing in their first Champions Trophy final by drawing 2-2.
Piki Hamahona and Gemma Flynn gave New Zealand a 2-0 first half lead before Nicola White’s field goal and Crista Cullen’s penalty corner conversion leveled matters at the break.
England had a penalty corner chance in the last minute saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit.
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