England, with Jersey’s Beckie Herbert playing wide right, were hoping to progress through to the finals to ensure a top three finish, and with it automatic qualification into the Beijing Olympics (on behalf of the GB team).
It was always going to be tough in Manchester yesterday as Germany had topped their group and it was the opposition who took the lead with a penalty corner rebound in the 22nd minute.
This lead was extended two minutes before half time as England struggled to create chances – a shot on target not being achieved until the second half.
With four minutes remaining, England pulled one back and it was an un-nerving finish as the home side were awarded four penalty corners in the closing minutes – netting one but unfortunately having the goal disallowed.
Beckie’s mother Shelagh Herbert was at the game yesterday and said that the team are very disappointed.
‘Defensively they struggled in the first 15 minutes and during the match Germany went down to ten twice (for sin bin offences),’ she said.
‘England were the better side in the last half but they just didn’t take the opportunities and it was always going to be hard to come back from being 2-0 down.
But Beckie had a really strong performance, probably her strongest in this tournament.
She played with great confidence and it was nice to see her play so effectively.’ England’s hope of qualification on behalf of Great Britain for the Olympics has not been lost, however, as they can still obtain that crucial third place when they play off for bronze against Spain, who lost their semi-final 3-0 to the Netherlands, tomorrow at 2 pm.
‘It’s hard to tell with Spain,’ added Shelagh.
‘They had a very good World Cup at home in Madrid last year but I think this tournament they don’t look as organised or effective.
Having said that they are a side who will do just enough and may well do.’
