Alex Danson is confident England can bounce back to winning ways after defeat in their opening match of the Hockey World League Final.
England had defeated Germany to win EuroHockey Championship bronze in the summer but their opponents exacted revenge as late penalty corner strikes saw them overcome a battling English performance in Auckland.
Captain Danson and Sarah Haycroft came close to scoring with sliding efforts in front of goal, while Lily Owsley saw a golden opportunity go begging as she sent a shot flying over the bar.
But as soon as the final whistle was sounded, England were turning their attentions to their next game against Argentina, and Danson is confident her side can turn their fortunes around.
“Two clinical corners from Germany were the difference today,” she said.
“We had good opportunities on the counter and in the circle and will review these and how we as forwards can convert these chances.
“We are a very tight group and with this strength will now focus on Argentina tomorrow, a game which we are really looking forward to.”
Germany started the strongest but nine minutes passed before their first chance to score, Amelie Wortmann’s deflected effort going wide of Maddie Hinch’s goal.
But England bounced back on the counter, a Haycroft effort edging narrowly wide before Sophie Bray saw a shot blocked.
As the second half got underway, Germany continued to press with Hinch keeping out a penalty corner just 40 seconds in.
Germany saw Charlotte Stapenhorst receive a yellow card which put the advantage temporarily back in England’s favour, but Owsley struggled to keep her effort below the crossbar.
Hannah Martin and Danson saw further shots spurned as the half went on, and England were made to pay for their missed opportunities in the 51st minute when Stapenhorst slammed a penalty corner home.
Germany doubled their lead five minutes later through Nike Lorenz with another penalty corner, though England thought they had pulled one back in the final minute of the game, only for Owsley’s strike to be ruled out for danger.
“It was an end to end game which was ultimately decided on very fine margins. We had plenty of the circle attack but the German circle defence was good,” said head coach Danny Kerry.
“Despite the scoreline we remain positive about the bigger picture we are working towards here.”
Sportsbeat 2017