Team GB started their Olympic campaign with a 2-0 win over Chile in Sapporo on Wednesday after a dominant performance.
The Brits took the lead inside 18 minutes when White found the back of the net. This came after Lauren Hemp provided an easy opener for her Manchester City teammate to make it 1-0 in the tournament opener.
Kim Little then had a pop from just outside the box, fizzing in a low strike that Carla Guerrero blocked.
On 36 minutes, Team GB carved out another opportunity. Caroline Weir played a pass into Little who knocked the ball back for Rachel Daly to get a shot away. Daly’s outside-of-the-box shot soared above the Christiane Endler’s crossbar.
On the stroke of half-time, Hege Riise’s side had another opportunity from a corner. Steph Houghton met the ball before heading it wide of the target.
Second half consistency
Hemp, who was causing all sorts of problems for Chile, started the second half brightly. She went on a mazy run before cutting inside and fizzing her effort over the top.
Following a mistake from Endler in the Chilean goal, Hemp was nearly gifted a tap-in. Endler passed the ball straight to the Team GB attacker, who slipped before she could get the shot away. Guerrero then got back in time to bail her keeper out of trouble.
Soon after, Endler was called into action once more. On 57 minutes, Georgia Stanway cut inside before getting a shot away. The keeper could only palm the ball out for White who was denied by Guerrero once again.
A long stoppage period took place following a penalty check for Guerrero’s challenge. White was offside in the process, meaning it wouldn’t have counted if she did turn the ball into the net.
Riise then made a double substitution on 69 minutes. New Arsenal signing Nikita Parris and Sophie Ingle, who was the first Welsh player to represent Team GB in the Olympics, replaced Hemp and Walsh.
Parris instantly became involved as Team GB doubled their advantage. She received the ball on the edge of the box before unselfishly playing the pass into Bronze. The Manchester City right-back then picked out White at the back-post, who finished in an acrobatic style.
Just a matter of minutes later, Daly had another go from distance. However, her powerful shot went straight into the hands of Endler, who held onto the ball with confidence.
In added time, Little was substituted out after a sublime performance in which she dictated the play. The Arsenal captain was replaced by Ella Toone, who made her Olympic debut.
After a comfortable win, Team GB now set their sights on the hosts. The matchday two fixture against Japan will take place on Saturday.
Lineups
Team GB: Roebuck, Bronze, Houghton, Bright, Daly, Walsh (Ingle 69), Weir (Scott 90),Stanway, Little (Toone 90),Hemp (Parris), White.
Unused substitutes: Stokes, Telford, Williamson.
Chile: Endler, Lopez (Balmaceda 81), Pardo, Guerrero, Sáez, Lopez (Mardones 70), Araya, Lara, Zamora, Urrutia, Aedo (Acuña 78).
Unused substitutes: Ramírez, Campos, Toro, Grez.
