British eves kick off in style

Britain won the first competitive contest of the London Olympics when a free kick from Stephanie Houghton gave them a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the women’s soccer tournament at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday.

Not only was the match the first event of the Games, it was also the first competitive match the British team had ever played and Houghton earned her place in women’s soccer folklore with her 64th minute shot.

New Zealand were the first to settle in the hot conditions, but Britain, with Jill Scott and Anita Asante combining well, took a grip on the game and they went close to scoring after 21 minutes.

Kiwi keeper Jenny Bindon, at 39 the oldest player in the competition, did well to punch clear from a corner, then made an excellent reflex save to deny Eniola Aluko what looked to be a certain opening goal.

Britain went close again 15 minutes later when Aluko crossed for Anita Asante but she hit the post with Bindon beaten.

New Zealand made little impression on the British defence and Alex Scott and Casey Stoney nullified what little threat there was from Sarah Gregorius and Hannah Wilkinson.
Other results: Japan: 2 (Nahomi Kawasumi 33rd, Aya Miyama 44th) bt Canada: 1 (Melissa Tancredi 55th); USA: 4 (Abby Wambach 19th, Alex Morgan 32nd, 66th, Carli Lloyd 56th) bt France: 2 (Gaetane Thiney 12th, Marie-Laure Delie 14th).