Now on to football; Great Britain vs Senegal, a cagey opening match for the hosts who seemingly brushed away the nerves of the thousands of fans that turned up to Old Trafford to witness it in the early stages with a fine goal on the 20 minute mark from the two experienced, and definitely not "passed it", Welshmen as Ryan Giggs put in a cross falling right into Craig Bellamy's path who finished with aplomb. The game was tightly contested with few opportunities as Senegal looked to use pace and strength to get behind the back four or take advantage with their height at set pieces while GB looked content to play the possession game usually resulting in a lack luster effort or a cross to no one. Sturridge looking weary, not quite over his illness that nearly prevented him from competing in the games came off at half time for the promising young Sordell similar players with pace and guile but neither team could make the most of their chances.
There was always this pre-season feel to the GB squad and the team were none too happy at the physicality and brute force of the Senegalese tackling, especially when Ciss the Senegal left back ploughed through Bellamy inside the penalty area causing mass hysteria among players and fans alike. A penalty, surely... But the referee shrugs off the protests and points to a goal kick. Team GB clearly upset and a lapse in concentration is all it takes to change the game, as Konate was put through on goal in a counter attack at 80 minutes and with a precise and delicate finish the scores were levelled, the inquest at the back begun. A poorly worked corner from Team GB at fault for the goal. The game had become more open as Sordell hit the bar in the closing moments, inches away from becoming a cult hero in the squad. Both teams with chances but a distinct lack of togetherness in the GB squad - there was a lot of work to be done if any hopes of a medal were to be kept alive.
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| Bellamy celebrates the opening goal |
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| Moussa Konate equalises late on |
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