Powell relishes opening game

Hope Powell is relishing the prospect of her Great Britain team opening the Olympics against New Zealand in Cardiff on July 25.

It had already been confirmed Powell's team would have the honour of featuring in the very first event, two days before the opening ceremony.

But Tuesday's draw merely added more spice to the occasion as New Zealand, so synonymous with Wales due to their legendary All Blacks rugby side, ended up being the opponents.

Britain will also take on Cameroon in Group E, also in Cardiff, with a mouthwatering fixture against Brazil to close the pool stages, at Wembley, on July 31.

"It was highlighted to me some time ago, when our dates were confirmed, that our first game would be at the Millennium Stadium," said Powell.

"It is the opener and I am really excited by the prospect. The press could be unprecedented.

"That is a good thing. It gives us an opportunity to showcase the sport and raise the profile of women's football in this country."

In the context of any football match, Brazil bring a glamour no other nation can match.

However, the also provide pretty formidable opposition as currently the fourth ranked nation in the world.

"Any game in a tournament of this magnitude is going to be tough," said Powell. "But we have to look at Brazil.

"It is a tough proposition to get out of that group. That is the first hurdle.

"We will do our best to prepare and we want to try and win every game but obviously that won't be easy."

Powell confirmed she has been placed under no pressure, either from the British Olympic Association or the Football Association, to select non-English players in her squad.

However, given the entire furore surrounding Britain's representation, it would be bizarre if there were no Scots, Welsh or Northern Irish players in the 18-woman squad.

"My job is to pick the best possible team from the players who are available," said Powell.

"And it will be the best players.

"I have not been told to pick a certain amount of Welsh, Scots, Irish.

"My job is to pick the best 18 and four standby. That is what I intend to do."