NOTTINGHAM: Olympic champions Germany came back from two goals down to defeat Britain 3-2 in extra-time and 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.
But Germany looked sharper in the second half.
Linus Butt reduced the deficit through a penalty corner variation at the left post before Martin Zwicker drove a backstick shot for the equaliser to take the match to extra time where the golden goal rule was in operation.
Jan-Marco Montag scored the winner, flicking in Germany`s fourth penalty corner in the last minute of the first period of extra time.
"I`m not super-pleased with the performance we gave, especially in the first half which was close to being awful. I think we were quite lucky not to have to come back from only two goals down," said Germany coach Markus Weise.
Britain coach Jason Lee was concerned about his team`s staying power.
"We were not able to maintain enough control in the second half and we ended up having to run a lot," Lee said.
"It`s good that we can be competitive with the number two team in the world who are Olympic champions and that is progress from where we were a few years ago."
New Zealand took the bronze medal, coming back from 2-0 down to beat Japan 4-2 and reversing the result of the pool match which was won 4-3 by the Japanese.
Japan established a first half lead with a field goal and a penalty corner conversion by Tomonori Ono.
New Zealand stormed back in the second half with two field goals by Stephen Jenness, one by Steve Edwards and a penalty corner from Andrew Hayward as Japan ran out of steam.
"We played a good first half but in the second half we couldn`t put on any pressure and played at too slow a pace because the players were too tired - the tournament was one half a match too long for us," said Japan coach Siegfried Aikman.
New Zealand coach Shane McLeod was pleased with his team`s performance.
"After we got two goals, and were on level pegging, there was a high motivation at that time for the guys to go for the win," he said.
BDST: 2020 HRS, JULY 18, 2010
