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Defeat for Great Britain

Hockey

Saturday 15 June 1996 23:02 BST
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Hockey

Defeat for Great Britain

Irina Kuhnt, the 28-year-old Berlin striker, gave Germany a 1-0 victory against Great Britain in the Four Nations Pre-Olympic Tournament at Milton Keynes yesterday, writes Brian Tatlock. The side that showed the stronger attacking influence won the day in a bruising, bitter encounter. Although Britain started confidently, they were soon pushed back on to the defensive and when they did break out they were unable to get the better of an uncompromising German defence. The temporary suspension of Britta Becker 12 minutes into the second half, following a clumsy tackle on Jane Sixsmith, gave Britain the opportunity to take the initiative, but they were unable to transform it into goals. Back to full strength, Germany forced a couple of quick penalty corners, but it was a carelessly taken free hit by Karen Brown which started the move to the winning goal in the 62nd minute. Simone Thomaschinski, intercepting the pass, moved the ball to Melanie Cremer to dribble along the back line before slipping it to Kuhnt. Although Britain came to life after the goal with a series of promising moves, usually led by Sixsmith, and had a penalty corner strike from Sue Fraser disallowed, they were unable to snatch the equaliser they deserved.

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