We may not have taken any golds yet at London 2012 but both the men and women’s GB football teams have quietly gone about their business and are in good shape to progress to the last 8.
MEN
A shock win for Senegal over Uruguay means Stuart Pearce’s men sit top of their group with one fixture to come against the South Americans tomorrow in Cardiff. The influential Craig Bellamy struck as GB drew their opener with Senegal whilst Giggs, Sinclair and Sturridge were all on target in a 3-1 success over UAE at Wembley.
There was lots of talk over the choice of the overage players but it’s so far so good for Pearce. Bellamy has scored or created three of the four goals whilst Ryan Giggs settled any early nerves at Wembley with a headed goal on Sunday. With only a three day gap between the last and the next game it remains to be seen whether rotation will be needed for the crunch match against Luis Suarez and co.
Group A
Great Britain GD +2 Pts. 4
Senegal GD +2 Pts. 4
Uruguay GD -1 Pts. 3
UAE GD -3 Pts. 0
August 1st fixtures – Senegal v UAE (19.45), Great Britain v Uruguay (19.45)
WOMEN
Unlike the men, Hope Powell’s ladies have triumphed in both of their fixtures meaning their passage to the Quarters is already sealed.
The women opened the London 2012 games last Wednesday with a narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium thanks to a Steph Houghton strike.
And the versatile Arsenal star was on target again during the comfortable 3-0 success over Cameroon, again in Cardiff, as Casey Stoney and Jill Scott also found the net.
With the pressure slightly off, tonight’s clash with Brazil could be a very entertaining one. The Brazilian’s boast legendary Marta among their ranks but the Samba stars were forced to wait until the 86th minute to earn victory over New Zealand in matchday 2. Both sides will be keen to finish top of the group to try and avoid the likes of Sweden or world champions Japan in the last 8.
Group E
Brazil GD +6 Pts. 6
Great Britain GD +4 Pts. 6
New Zealand GD -2 Pts. 0
Cameroon GD -8 Pts. 0
July 31st fixtures – New Zealand v Cameroon (19.45), Great Britain v Brazil (19.45)
Come on Team GB!!
