Unfortunate start

The US also had an unfortunate start to their match with France in the earlier match at Hampden but at least that was only because of what happened on the field.

France raced into a 2-0 lead against the title holders after only 14 minutes before the US rallied to take all three points with Alex Morgan scoring twice, Abby Wambach once and substitute Carli Lloyd grabbing the other.

It was a memorable day for hosts Britain who won the first ever Olympic match they have played, beating New Zealand at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in the first event of the London Olympics.

Steph Houghton, who missed the 2007 world and 2009 European championships through injury, scored Britain's winner with a second half free-kick.

"It was something special and I'm sure my family are very proud. I don't think it will sink in for a while. I'm just glad it got us the win," she told reporters.

Brazil, playing in the second match at Cardiff, were highly impressive in demolishing Cameroon with Marta, World Player of the Year five times, scoring twice including a penalty.

Cristiane, who came on as a substitute at the start of the second half, also scored to take her overall tally of Olympic goals to 11, the all-time women's Olympic scoring record.