Stephanie Houghton scored off a free kick Wednesday to give Britain a 1-0 win over New Zealand in the opening women's football match of the London Olympics, two days before the opening ceremony in London.

Katie Hoyle (L) of New Zealand and Betsy Hassett of New Zealand challenge Karen Carney of Great Britain during the Women's Football first round Group E Match of the London 2012 Olympic Games between Great Britain and New Zealand
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Houghton sent a right-footed shot in the 64th minute into the left side of the net, getting the ball just inside the wall to beat New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon for host Britain's opening victory at the London Games.

FULL COVERAGE: 2012 Summer Games

The football tournament started before Friday's opening ceremony because of its long match schedule. The men's competition will begin on Thursday.

The other Group E match will be between 2008 silver-medalist Brazil and Cameroon later in the day at the same stadium.

 

 

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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