FT: Team GB 3-0 Cameroon
Team GB’s women made it two wins from two in Group E, after a comfortable 3-0 triumph over a very abject Cameroon side at the Millennium Stadium.
Two first half goals from Casey Stoney and Jill Scott, along with a pile driver from golden girl Steph Houghton in the last ten minutes, ensured Hope Powell’s side qualified for the quarter-finals at the 2012 London Olympics.
Justifiably, they could have finished with many more but for some poor finishing.
Cameroon lacked any fluidity, struggling to get their 5-0 annihilation by Brazil out of their system.
Brazil’s narrow 1-0 success over New Zealand hours earlier meant that a Team GB victory would ensure progression into the last eight.
Stoney settles the nerves
Early nerves were settled, when the deadlock was broken in the 17th minute.
A deep free-kick into the box was misjudged by Cameroon’s goalkeeper Annette Ngo Ndom and captain of the side, Stoney had a simple tap-in from no more than three yards out.
Stoney is not a regular scorer, having only netted four times before for England’s women in 103 games, so she will have enjoyed the moment.
Five minutes later and it was 2-0 and unlike Team GB’s previous goals at the Olympics so far, it was a brilliant team movement.
Kelly Smith’s through pass found Kim Little, before her cute backheel fell perfectly into the path of Jill Scott.
Scott (pictured celebrating) slid the ball into the net with so much composure, which suggested confidence in this side is rising with every passing game.
Team GB’s quick movement and passing was far too much for a Cameroon side that looked completely out of its depth.
More chances
Before the interval, Smith came close from a free-kick whilst Ngo Ndom did better when called upon to push a Houghton header wide.
There were other chances, which weren’t taken and that could concern Powell against better quality sides, such as the Brazilians, who they play in their final group game at Wembley Stadium on July 31.
Anita Asante had a header cleared off the line in the second half, despite getting a kick in the face for her troubles, whilst goalscoring hero in the first match, Houghton tested the reflexes of Ngo Ndom once again.
Ngo was actually the Africans best player, despite her failing to deal with the opening goal and made an excellent save in the last ten minutes to deny Little a deserved strike.
She couldn’t do anything about Team GB’s third, which arrived with eight minutes remaining.
Houghton chased down a lost cause and found Little, who got quickly crowded out in the penalty area.
She did well to stay calm and find Houghton, who produced a thunderous strike which left Ngo well beaten.
It is two wins from two, so there is little to complain about for Hope Powell and her side so far.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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