Olympic Soccer 2012: Great Britain Defeats UAE with 3-1 Win

The British finally gave their fans an opportunity to cheer with a 3-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates.

After blowing a 1-0 lead in the waning minutes of their match against Senegal, the British redeemed themselves with two late goals from substitutes Scott Sinclair and Daniel Sturridge.

The home team was nervous in the early going as they allowed the UAE to create opportunities early on. However, it would be captain Ryan Giggs who would settle his squad's nerves when his head met a Bellamy cross. He not only gave the British a 1-0 lead, but also became the oldest player to score in the Men's Olympic soccer tournament. Britain would continue exerting pressure but were unable to add to their lead.

In the 60^th minute, Rashed Eisa took a Khamis Esmaeel pass and tied the match at one. For the next 10 minutes, the UAE looked like the better side and dominated possession and opportunities.

At the 72^nd minute, Giggs went off in favor of Sinclair who added a goal just 60 second later. Just three minutes later, Sturridge, who was brought on at half-time, added insurance with a delicate chip past Egyptian keeper Ali Khaseif.

With the win, UAE becomes one of two teams eliminated from contention. The other is Spain. The British can secure passage to the quarter-finals with a tie against Uruguay. A win would win them the group.