White strike sinks Japan

FOOTBALL: Hege Riise praised her Team GB after in-form forward Ellen White struck again to book their place in the quarter-finals.

The Manchester City striker grabbed her third goal in two games to seal a 1-0 win over hosts Japan in Group E.

Team GB — captained by Scotland’s Kim Little — dominated the second half but had to be patient against an organised Japan team.

The goal came with 16 minutes left. Lucy Bronze crossed from the right and White stole in ahead of goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to glance the ball home.

Team GB sit top of Group E with six points, ahead of Canada who beat Chile 2-1 on Saturday.

Riise said: ‘In the first half, we didn’t look like ourselves but we came out as a different team in the second half and controlled it.

‘We’re happy, it puts us in a good position and we’re able to rest players and recover well.’

Team GB play Canada on Tuesday for the right to finish top of the group.