Olympics: Great Britain Out After Australia Stalemate

A 3-3 draw with defending champions Australia ended Great Britain's hopes of reaching the semi-finals
Defending champions Australia snuffed out Great Britain's hopes of a medal in the men's hockey with a 3-3 draw in Pool B. Barry Middleton opened the scoring to briefly raise hopes of the unlikely 8-0 win required by Britain to claim second place, but the champions twice battled back from behind to reach the last four.

Middleton's opener, which came on the stroke of half-time, was swiftly canceled out after the restart by Australia's Bevan George. Jamie Dwyer then put the champions ahead before Richard Mantell and Rob Moore restored Britain's lead, but Eddie Ockenden scored from close range with two minutes remaining to ensure that the game ended in stalemate.

While Britain now face a fifth-place play-off against Korea on Saturday, Australia will play Pool A winners Spain. The Netherlands will play Germany in the other semi-final.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 8/20/2008
 
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