Watford’s Sebastien Edgar and the British handball squad played their final game of the Olympic campaign today but despite a battling performance, they were ultimately well beaten 41-24 by Iceland.

Britain’s fate in the competition had already been sealed by four straight defeats in the group stage but they were looking to give the home support something to cheer in their final outing at the Copper Box.

Conversely, Iceland had won all four of their opening games and victory would have handed them a clean sweep.

The form book pointed only to a convincing Iceland win but Team GB were hugely impressive in the first half and were more than a match for their opponents.

Iceland did take the lead through Kari Kristjansson but the hosts were immediately on the goal trail themselves, with Steven Larsson netting the first of his eight first-half goals to level.

Britain soon found themselves behind again but goals in quick succession through Larsson and Mark Hawkins saw them bring the scores level at 6-6.

Although they were unable to get themselves in front in the opening period, Britain were a force to be reckoned with both going forward and at the back and never let their opponents pull too far ahead.

Bobby White was in fine form in goal and proved stubborn opposition for Iceland.

The stopper produced a string of fine saves to keep Britain in the game as the group leaders were unable to build the lead the form table suggests they should have done.

They did end the half in the ascendency however, with their two goals in the closing minutes handing them an 18-15 lead at the break.

Larsson’s ninth of the game closed the gap for Team GB but Iceland were a much improved side after the interval.

After Chris Mohr had made it 22-18, six unanswered goals saw Britain’s grasp on the game begin to slip away.

Gawain Vincent ended that run at 28-19 but by the time John Pearce added a 20th for the hosts, Iceland were already up to 31 and extended that to 35 before Chris McDermott made it struck.

Hawkins, McDermott and Martin Hare all netted for Team GB but the damage had been done earlier in the half, as Iceland were able to claim what was ultimately a comfortable 41-24 victory.