Women’s basketball, USA vs. Croatia

USA defender Diana Taurasi pressures Croatia's Sandra Mandir during a preliminary game at the London 2012 Olympics Basketball Arena.

USA defender Diana Taurasi pressures Croatia’s Sandra Mandir during a preliminary game at the London 2012 Olympics Basketball Arena.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

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Team USA beats Croatia, 81-56, on Saturday, in a women’s basketball opener at the London Olympics.

Inside job

Croatia’s Marija Vrsaljko scores against Sylvia Fowles (13) and the U.S. defense during their pool-play game on Saturday in London.  (Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)

Swin Cash and Ana Lelas

American forward Swin Cash applies defensive pressure against Croatia forward Ana Lelas (11) as she’s looking to pass.  (Charles Krupa / Associated Press)

USA fans

American fans root for the U.S. team during their victory over Croatia in a pool-play game Saturday in London.  (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Diana Taurasi

U.S. guard Diana Taurasi waits to enter the game against Croatia in the first half Saturday.  (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Iva Ciglar and Tamika Catchings

Croatia’s Iva Ciglar tries to drive around U.S. forward Tamika Catchings in the first half of their preliminary game.  (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Geno Auriemma

U.S. Coach Geno Auriemma watches the Americans try to open a lead against Croatia in the first half.  (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Jelena Ivezic and Candace Parker

U.S. forward Candace Parker, who contributed 11 points, elevates to make a pass around Croatia’s Jelena Ivezic in their preliminary game.  (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

Time to celebrate

American forwards Candace Parker (15) and Tamika Catchings celebrate alongside center Tina Charles (14) and guard Diana Taurasi (12) during their victory over Croatia.  (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)