Moore has no excuses after early exit

Posted: Tuesday 9th September 2008 | 16:00

HOCKEY ace Rob Moore admitted Team GB only had themselves to blame after missing out on a semi-final berth - despite holding defending champions Australia to a 3-3 draw in Beijing.

Rob Moore was left helpless as GB crashed out of Olympics

_{MOORE-TIFIED: Hockey ace Rob Moore can do nothing to prevent GB from crashing out}

The 27-year-old and co. needed to beat the best side in the world 8-0 to progress beyond the group stage following their disappointing draw with Canada on Sunday.

But mission impossible proved just that as, despite taking the lead through Barry Middleton Australia hit back before the ding-dong encounter ended all square.

"It's a case of mixed emotions for us," said Moore. "We are obviously immensely proud at the result but still disappointed with the performance against Canada.

"Because of that result this game didn't give us a realistic chance of making the semi finals

"Obviously you can never tell how the game would have gone if we had beaten Canada but either way to turn in such a fantastic performance and go so close to beating Australia who are a truly world-class side represents a great effort from our team."

After Middleton's strike The Kookaburras hit back with as Bevan George and Jamie Dwyer put them ahead.

But GB refused to give up without a fight with Richard Mantell levelling the tie and Moore's deflected shot putting GB ahead only for Eddie Ockenden to level late on.

And Moore admitted the late equaliser was a bitter pill to swallow as GB stood on the verge of a first win against the old enemy since the Seoul Olympics in 1988.

"It's disappointing because we were so close to a famous victory but we can definitely take a huge amount of pride with how we played," he added.

"It's always nice to play well against the Aussies and special mention must go to Ally McGregor in goal.

"He was immense as were the rest of the back line because the Australians have got a fantastic front line so to keep them down to three was awesome.

"At the same time the forwards were excellent as well because three goals is more than the Aussies have conceded in one game all tournament so it was a great effort."

GB will now face South Korea in a play-off for fifth place on Saturday.

MATTHEW DAVIS in Beijing