By PA Sport Staff

Jane Sixsmith failed to end her international career in style as Great Britain went down 2-0 against Germany at the State Hockey Centre in Sydney, a defeat which condemned them to eighth place in the tournament.

Sixsmith, the England team's most capped striker, finished the competition goalless even though she was easily Britain's most threatening player.

This was another poor display by Britain, who only created one shot on goal in the first half, and failed to unhinge a disciplined German defence after the restart.

Britain went behind for the fourth time in six matches in Sydney in the 21st minute when Natascha Keller picked up a loose ball in the 25, rounded defenders Mel Clewlow and Pauline Stott, broke into the circle and beat Hilary Rose with a stunning reverse stick shot.

Minutes in to the second half, Clewlow's stinging drive at Britain's second penalty corner was steered away off the line by Simone Graesser but it was a rare British attack.

In the 52nd minute, Keller broke through again and, after weaving her way through the defence and rounding Rose, her strike was illegally blocked by Fiona Greenham. Britta Becker put away her third penalty stroke of the tournament to put Germany 2-0 ahead.

Britain pushed forward to try and salvage something from the match and although Clewlow hit the post with another thunderous corner shot nine minutes from time they were guilty of sloppy passing and ineffective shooting when it mattered.