Great Britain suffer second-half collapse against Bosnia

GREAT Britain's miserable run continued at the World Championship qualifying tournament in Finland as they slipped to a heavy defeat against Bosnia Herzegovina on Saturday.

STANDING ABOVE THE REST: Steven Larsson scores six but Great Britain slump to 44-19 defeat to Bosnia Herzegovina in World Championship qualifier (Reiner Worm)

After losing to Romania on Friday, the British knew they needed a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the 2011 World Championships in Sweden alive.

But despite trailing by just five goals at half time, Great Britain failed to keep up with their opponents in the second period and fell to a 44-19 loss.

Steven Larsson impressed in front of goal with six strikes while John Pearce added another three but after pulling back to just three goals behind, a seven goal run from Bosnia Herzegovina put paid to the Brits hopes.

And assistant coach Bill Baillie admitted his team were always on the back foot after expending so much effort trying to haul themselves back into the match.

"When Bosnia scored seven without reply that really killed the game off for us," said Baillie.

"We went goal for goal with them for a while but never got any closer and then once we started changing our starting line-up we lost our shape. We ran out of steam and the players looked tired.

"But it was probably the most contrasting game we've played recently. We were great in the first half, and at one point were only three behind.  Then we missed a penalty which would have brought us to within two

"But we're still optimistic of beating Finland tomorrow, having seen them play yesterday, so hopefully we can go out on a high."

Great Britain take on hosts Finland in their final game on Sunday.