Coach Jason Lee quoted a Dutch saying at the beginning of the press interview after the match which says "The Germans are not beaten until they are on the coach back to their hotel". This said it all as England gave away a 4-2 against the Germans to draw 4-4, or as Jason inadvertently said 'a loss'!
England started well in the match against Germany and were 1-0 up within four minutes. A beautiful move from the back involving Alastair Brogdon, Ben Hawes, Barry Middleton and then a shot in the circle at pace from Ashley Jackson gave them the start they wanted. The Germans pushed forward and almost immediately won a penalty corner but the defence cleared and England continued to attack. They had numerous chances which they couldn't quite press home their advantage. Both teams had two more penalty corners apiece but failed to convert them. Three minutes before half time though the Germans got their reward when a cross into the circle was deflected past James Fair by Christopher Zeller to make it 1-1.
Immediately at the start of the second half Germany won a penalty stroke, Ali Wilson (harshly) being adjudged to have fouled the German attacker. The stroke was duly converted by Moritz Fuerste. But soon afterwards a good move from Rob Moore to Simon Mantell ended with captain Barry Middleton crashing the ball into the net to put the scores level at 2-2. Three minutes later and a shot by Ashley Jackson from their only penalty corner of the second half was parried by the goalkeeper only for Middleton to follow up and give England the lead again. Ten minutes later and a hit into the circle from Richard Alexander was pounced on by Rob Moore to put England 4-2 ahead.
England then seemed to sit back instead of continuing in the same attacking vein and within five minutes the Germans had pulled one back through Zeller once more. And just as they were booking their plane tickets to India for the World Cup the Germans popped up with another goal through Christopher Wesley. 4-4 and all to play for against Belgium on Wednesday.
