Japan 0-1 Great Britain: Team GB player ratings from a patient win against hosts

Great Britain had a different kind of test in their second game in the Olympics women’s football tournament against hosts Japan, and were made to wait until late on to get the decisive goal courtesy of the prolific Ellen White.

A cagey first half saw neither team create much in the way of clear chances and GB’s most creative players found themselves isolated until midway through the second half when the game began to open up a little more.

Once White had found the net from Lucy Bronze’s teasing cross, beating home goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to the ball, Japan had little response.

Here’s a look at how all the Team GB players fared…

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Ellie Roebuck (GK) 6/10: Still yet to be really tested so far at this tournament.

Lucy Bronze (RB) 7/10: The quality of her crosses created the goals against Chile last time out 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 the starting XI and was solid enough.

Demi Stokes (LB) 6/10: Another change from Riise at the back from the first game and justified her selection.

2. Midfielders

Keira Walsh (CM) 6/10: Struggled in a different role in the first half, tasked with linking up with Little. Looked more comfortable as the deep-lying playmaker after Ingle went off.

Sophie Ingle (CM) 6/10: Brought into the starting lineup to offer more defensive structure in midfield but was sacrificed in the second half to give more attacking impetus.

Kim Little (AM) 7/10: The substitution in midfield allowed her to get move involved and she had a major involvement in the move that led to the goal.

3. Forwards

Nikita Parris (RW) 6/10: Worked hard on the right flank and was eventually substituted after 75 minutes when she began to look tired.

Ellen White (ST) 7/10: Had to be patient for her opportunity as GB struggled to create many chances and clinically took it when it came.

Lauren Hemp (LW) 6/10: Often left isolated in the first half following what had been an outstanding performance against Chile. Improved as the game wore on and space opened up.

4. Substitutes

Caroline Weir (CM) 7/10: Made a difference after coming on because her passing freed up Little to get more involved in creating chances.

Rachel Daley (RW) 6/10: Disciplined performance in the closing stages.

Georgia Stanway (LW): N/A

Jill Scott (CM): N/A

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