A perfect introduction to Olympic football for Team GB was denied against a physical Senegal side on Thursday, but three days later and with another fixture, the questions were being still being asked: were GB going to gel? Why won’t the Welsh players sing the national anthem? And just how good are we?

Stuart Pearce’s men will have wanted to answer these questions with aplomb, but first a word on Senegal. The men from Africa beat Uruguay 2-0 with a double from Moussa Konate, which perhaps makes Britain’s opener look more acceptable. But all that would mean nothing for Britain if they couldn’t beat a UAE side who impressed during their opener despite losing 2-1.

Team GB started brightly but didn’t threaten much until the 20th minute – passing neatly in midfield, with Cleverley instigating an early move on goal, and Micah Richards providing a notable burst forward from defence too. For all their positive intent it was still 0-0, but not for long. Craig Bellamy was the scorer in the first game, but he turned provider to whip in a peach of a ball for Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs. Aged 38, the Welsh wizard will have perhaps given up on scoring during an international tournament a while ago – but his dream goal was in the net, and GB had deserved their goal.

There were more chances – Cleverley hitting both posts but somehow not scoring, while Bellamy fizzed a shot slightly too close to the near post to be a true danger. But just as GB seemed like they might score 3 or 4 goals, the game hit half time. Perfect for the UAE, but not for me personally: I was busy, and had to sit out the second half with other activities. Luckily we can make a wonderful impact sub with Tom to take us through the second half.

The second half began fairly evenly and unremarkably until Kalill hit the outside of the post on 53 minutes. This seemed to spark GB into life, with Bellamy once more looking dangerous, and GB racking up 65% possession overall, all looking good.

Yet Team GB possess some fragilities that make their hope of a medal placement unlikely, and they were once more shown after some questionable positioning, as recognized by Pearce post match, cost GB the lead. Abdulrahman played a through-ball as beautiful as he did in the first game against Uruguay, and Eisa slotted home past the often exceptional Butland. After this Tomkins once more looking ill at ease as he had done Vs Brazil headed the ball straight back down the middle, and the UAE had a shot deflected not far wide. Butland then made quite the save after the impressive Abdulrahman laid yet another through-ball.

Yet post match Pearce also recognized another mans impact on the game, his own. Only 59 seconds after coming on for Giggs; Bellamy’s runs finally paid off and after some iffy keeping, the sub he send on to “sheik” things up, Scott Sinclair scored his 4th goal in 2 games at Wembley. Following this UAE looked clearly rattled, the pass master Abdulrahman gave the ball away, Cleverley stroked it through to fellow sub Sturridge, whose chip over the keeper was exquisite. Much needed also after squandering earlier chances.

One of the nicest things about the game, was when Bellamy was substituted, he gained an ovation, much in contrast to the booing of Old Trafford. With the crowd behind GB, all we, yes we, need is a draw against Uruguay to qualify, and I for one cannot wait to see more of Team GB.