Britain had a different kind of test in their second game in the Olympic women’s soccer tournament against the hosts Japan and had to wait until late to get the decisive goal with the permission of the productive Ellen White.
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A crazy first half saw that none of the teams created much in the way of clear chances and GB’s most creative players were isolated until halfway through the second half when the game started to open up a little more.
When White had found the net from Lucy Bronze’s teasing cross and hit home goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to the ball, Japan had little answer.
Here’s a look at how all Team GB players fared …
Lucy Bronze created Team GB’s goal / Masashi Hara / Getty Images
Ellie Roebuck (GK) 6/10: Not yet properly tested so far in this tournament.
Lucy Bronze (RB) 7/10: The quality of her cross created the goals against Chile last time and it was the same again for the late breakthrough here.
Steph Houghton (CB) 7/10: Led the back line well and limited Japan’s opportunities.
Leah Williamson (CB) 6/10: Replaced Millie Bright in early XI and was solid enough.
Demi Stokes (LB) 6/10: Another change from Riise on the back from the first game and motivated her choice.
Kim Little improved after the second half tactical shift / Masashi Hara / Getty Images
Keira Walsh (CM) 6/10: Fought in another role during the first half, tasked with connecting with Little. Looked more comfortable as the deep-seated playmaker after Ingle resigned.
Sophie Ingle (CM) 6/10: Brought into the starting lineup to offer more defensive structure in midfield but sacrificed during the second half to provide more attacking drive.
Kim Little (AM) 7/10: The change in the midfield allowed her to move and she had a great commitment to the move that led to the goal.
Ellen White scored her third goal in the Olympics / Masashi Hara / Getty Images
Nikita Parris (RW) 6/10: Worked hard on the right flank and was eventually replaced after 75 minutes when she started to look tired.
Ellen White (ST) 7/10: Must be patient for his opportunity because GB struggled to create many chances and took it clinically when it came.
Lauren Hemp (LW) 6/10: Often left in isolation during the first half after what had been an outstanding performance against Chile. Improved as the game continued and space opened up.
Weir took balance to midfield / ASANO IKKO / Getty Images
Caroline Weir (CM) 7/10: Made a difference after coming on because her passing freed Little to become more involved in creating chances.
Rachel Daley (RW) 6/10: Disciplined performance in the final stages.
Georgia Stanway (LW): Not applicable
Jill Scott (CM): Not applicable
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