By Tony Garrett in Wetzlar, Germany

Clare Strange's first-half efforts helped the GB women to victory

The Great Britain men's wheelchair basketball team missed out on gold at the European Championships in Germany after losing 76-66 to Sweden.

Sweden took control in the second quarter and led 36-32 at half-time, dominating matters after that.

The GB women's team booked their place at the Beijing Paralympics thanks to a 56-29 win over Spain in the play-off for third and fourth place.

Sally Wager and Caroline Matthews finished with 10 points apiece.

The men's team went into the final with high hopes of winning their first European title since 1995 in the first major tournament under new coach Murray Treseder.

But they looked disappointing in the second half as Sweden had more offensive options and key GB players Simon Munn, Terry Bywater and Jon Pollock struggled with their shots.

Sweden led 57-47 going into the final quarter and despite a brief comeback in the final quarter, GB could not get close enough to seriously challenge them.

Bywater finished as GB's top scorer with 24 points while Simon Munn had 18 and Jon Pollock 16.

"We are very disappointed to have lost another European final," said key player Andy Blake.

"We were outshot and outrebounded by Italy but we did achieve our aim of qualifying for the Paralympics.

"We've had four months with our coach and we have improved in that time and we will continue to improve ahead of Beijing."

The women put in a strong first-half display with Wager, Matthews, Clare Strange and Caroline Maclean leading the way to a 33-14 interval advantage.

With the Spanish team struggling, GB coach Garry Peel introduced Helen Freeman, Debee Steel and Helen Turner into the game in the second half and they all contributed scores to help their team run out comfortable winners.

"We were totally focused from the first minute and showed how well we can play," said Strange.

"We played as a team throughout the tournament and we are delighted to win bronze and achieve our aim of qualification for Beijing."