After their 9-1 mauling of Brazil, the Great Britain men were brought back to earth on Wednesday when they lost their penultimate group match 2-1 to Australia.

They fell behind on 50 minutes to a goal from Aran Zalewski and five minutes later Jacob Whetton doubled his side's lead.

GB reduced their arrears shortly afterwards from an Ashley Jackson penalty corner and Nick Catlin was only denied a late equaliser by a goal-line clearance from Matt Swann.

Captain Barry Middleton said: "We played well and defended well, but it is just frustrating with the result.

"We now have a day off which is nice so we will go away, have a good rest and come back as strong as we possibly can for Spain.”

Goalkeeper George Pinner added: “It is disappointing but it is the first time in this tournament we have really put up a proper performance and that is something we can build on going into our last game against Spain where we should know what we will have to do to get through”.

GB play Spain at 9pm on Friday.