Sara Lyons was the hat-trick hero as Team GB claimed their first victory of the women’s football competition, thumping Germany 9-1 in Vienna.

Swept aside 7-0 by red-hot favourites USA in their opener yesterday, GB bounced back in style, forging ahead inside the first minutes.

Further goals from Raquel Lewis, Sophie Lawrence, Jen Palmer, Samantha Miller, Michaela Green and an own goal completed the rout.

GB captain Tamar Koch said: "It was an outstanding performance from the girls. We took control early on in the game and ripped open the German defence time and again.

"Today was a very good example of a team performance.

"It culminated in our best-ever result for GB in women’s football."

Koch said the team had no problems lifting themselves after the heavy defeat against the USA. "We were confident that we could outclass the Germans.

"It was important to score the first goal early and we continued to play a patient passing game even after they scored to make it 2-1."

Commenting on Lyons goal-scoring feat, Koch said: "Sara was unbelievable. She picked up her game and showed uncanny movement. She was strong and thrived on the excellent movement from our wingers."