Match Analysis: Team GB 1-0 New Zealand

Hope Powell's Team GB got their 2012 Olympic campaign off to the best possible start with a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Cardiff.

The only goal of the game came in the second period when Stephanie Houghton struck a stinging free kick into the corner of the net.

The win moves Team GB to the top of the group, while New Zealand sit bottom on zero points.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.

Sports Mole's analysis:

Team GB statistics:
Shots 14
On target 4
Possession 55%
Corners 14
Fouls 11

New Zealand statistics:
Shots 9
On target 3
Possession 45%
Corners 4
Fouls 11

Was the result fair?

Yes. It would probably be fair to state that New Zealand made the better start to proceedings, but Team GB always looked the most dangerous on the attack.

Team GB's performance

Not only did Team GB score their first goal in women's Olympic football, they also recorded their first victory. In Anita Asante, they always had a willing runner and perhaps should have added to the scoreline.

New Zealand's performance

Ever so bitty. The Kiwis certainly did some good things, but it was their lack of pace that restricted their ability to launch a meaningful attack. Amber Hearn was the pick of their players.

Sports Mole's woman of the match

Stephanie Houghton: It wasn't just the defender's wonderful free kick which gains her this accolade – although it certainly helped. The Arsenal ladies star defended superbly all game.

Referee performance

We didn't see much from Kari Seitz - which is always a good sign for a referee.

Biggest gaffe of the game

Sarah Gregorius had a glorious chance to equalise for New Zealand late in the match, but she fired straight into the arms of Karen Bardsley.

What next?

Team GB: The win moves Team GB to the top of the group, while next up they face Cameroon on July 28.

New Zealand: The result sinks the Kiwis to the bottom of the group ahead of their clash with Brazil on Saturday.