Ellen White’s brace saw Team GB open their Olympic campaign with a 2-0 win against debutants Chile.
Head coach Hege Riise named a strong starting lineup, mixing youth and experience as they took to the pitch to kick off the women’s football tournament at the games.
Riise gave eight players the chance to make their Olympic debuts from the get-go, whilst three more came on to debut in the second half.
As silence rang around the empty Sapporo Dome, Team GB were quick to establish themselves in the game. Scotland’s Caroline Weir took control from midfield, linking up with Kim Little to play around the pitch. One and two touch passes playing out from the middle saw GB stay high up the pitch, putting pressure on the opposition defence.
With 18 minutes played, FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Lucy Bronze, chipped the ball into the box, meeting the head of Lauren Hemp at the far post who played the ball into the path of White. The Manchester City forward connected with the ball to push it past Chile captain, and new Lyon signing, Christiane Endler, putting her side ahead.
GB retained a large amount of possession, controlling all aspects of the game. But it was their youngest member of the squad who was the standout. Hemp showed skill beyond her years as she danced around defenders to find pockets of space. Setting up teammates in front of goal and keeping play moving, her team should’ve been ahead by more as the half ended.
A switch on the wings in the second half took the spring out of Hemp’s step and the side began to look less bright. Chile began to enjoy long spells of possession but also looked to be tiring, struggling to create anything going forward.
Despite the decrease in tempo GB’s backline was not tested; allowing Bronze to make her way back down the wing and turn provider for yet another goal.
It was White once again who connected to the dinked cross, her bicycle kick bouncing in under the diving Endler. Celebrating with her trademark glasses celebration her team were in the driving seat, all but putting the game to bed.
After an encouraging performance from GB, with glimmers of brilliance throughout, the team have just two days of rest and recovery before they take on tournament hosts Japan. A team that will no doubt provide a much different test after their 1-1- draw against Canada.
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