Giggs makes history as Britain go top of group

Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge gave watching England manager Roy Hodgson a nudge as Great Britain’s first Olympic win since 1960 sent them top of Group A.

After Ryan Giggs had become the oldest goalscorer in Olympic history, GB required a rather more youthful duo to drag them out of a hole after Rashed Eisa had equalised for United Arab Emirates.

Sinclair scored with his first touch, although it is perhaps Sturridge who has more chance of featuring in next month’s squad for the friendly against Italy in Berne, especially if he impressed Hodgson with his superb chip 14 minutes from time.

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The result got GB back on track to secure a quarter-final berth, although they will almost certainly need to avoid defeat against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday to seal their knockout berth.

Senegal’s shock win over Uruguay in the first match of the day had brought GB’s need for a victory into sharp focus.

Criticised for his team selection against the Africans on Thursday, Pearce made three changes, including the introduction of Aaron Ramsey, bringing the Welsh contingent to five.

More importantly, it provided an extra man in midfield which allowed GB to exert far more control against an admittedly much less physical UAE outfit.

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Teenager Moussa Konate scored twice in 10-man Senegal’s defeat of Uruguay, either side of Abdoulaye Ba’s first-half dismissal.

Great Britain defender Ifeoma Dieke is to undergo a scan on the knee injury she suffered in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Cameroon.

The Scotland international was stretchered off in the second half at the Millennium Stadium after going down in a battle for possession with Cameroon substitute Ajara Nchout.

Coach Hope Powell has confirmed, however, that striker Kelly Smith and midfielder Anita Asante will be fit for tomorrow’s Wembley meeting with Brazil after the pair were withdrawn against Cameroon as a precaution. Goals from captain Casey Stoney, Jill Scott and Steph Houghton sealed a comfortable victory which books Great Britain’s place in the quarter-finals with one Group E game to spare.