Team GB have made the best possible start to their Olympic Group E campaign with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Cardiff.
It was the Kiwis who had the first real chance of the match when Ali Riley met a Rebecca Smith cross with her head. However, it just drifted high of Karen Bardsley's goal.
It took until the 10th minute for Kelly Smith to show her quality when she drove into the NZ box, but she was just crowded out at the final moment.
Both sides had chances as the 20-minute mark approached, with Alex Scott proving the danger woman on the break for Team GB.
Stephanie Houghton came close with an effort for Team GB after 22 minutes, but Jenny Bindon just pushed the ball wide of the post.
Team GB had the best chance of the match after 33 minutes when Eniola Aluko found Anita Asante with a cross, but the former headed against the post.
The Kiwis began the second period the better and Hannah Wilkinson fired a shot just wide of the post after 51 minutes.
Houghton came close with an effort of her own after 57 minutes, before Ellen White struck wide after 63 minutes.
Team GB took the lead after 64 minutes, however, when Houghton struck a fine free-kick into the corner of the net.
It was the home outfit who continued to dominate in the latter stages, but Sarah Gregorius missed a golden chance to claim a point late on when she shot straight at Bardsley.
Next up for Team GB is Cameroon, while New Zealand will take on Brazil.
Matt Law
