2014 Algarve Cup - Day 1 Review

Photo courtesy of Cliff Rice - for more images from Cliff visit - www.cliffricephotography.co.uk

THE first day of the 2014 Algarve Cup came to an end Wednesday with some interesting results from each group.

A magnificent free kick from Japan’s Aya Miyama from 30 yards out in the closing minutes saved the day for Japan who were losing 1-0 after a clumsy mistake by Japan’s Saki Kumagai saw Sydney Leroux put the USWNT out in front.

A strong wind made it difficult for US keeper Hope Solo to determine the direction of Miyama’s ball and it was too late for the Seattle Reign keeper to change direction as the ball struck the net, ending the match 1-1.

Former USWNT head coach Pia Sundhage will be pleased with her Swedish team prevailing 2-0 over Denmark in Group B.  Kosovare Assllani put the Swedes ahead in the 15^th minute, followed suit two minutes later by Nilla Fischer to give Sweden their second goal and placing them on top of the leader board.

In Group A Germany powered to a 5-0 win over Iceland putting the Germans in first place ahead of China who defeated Norway 1-0. Dzenifer Morozan’s brace in the opening 23 minutes put the Germans ahead, while Celia Sasic’s penalty meant the Germans were leading 3-0 before half time.

Lenea Goessling’s top corner strike and Alex Propp’s goal in the 64^th minute diminished Iceland’s hope of getting any points.

In Group C, Russia conceded two goals in their 1-2 defeat against Korea DPR, while Portugal’s captain was very pleased with their 3-2 win over Austria.

Speaking to futebol365, Claudia Neto spoke of her game winning goal: “I’m very happy to help the team with the goal that gave the victory. This result will give us a lot of encouragement and we are delighted.

“We started the game well, suffered those two goals but we managed to react well against a very physically strong opponent.”

The teams will have a rest day on Thursday, resuming the competition on Friday March 7^th.

Friday 7^th March fixtures:

13:30 Sweden vs USA   (Group B)

14:00 Norway vs Iceland (Group A)

14:10 Japan vs Denmark (Group B)

16:10 Germany vs China (Group A)

17:00 Austria vs Korea DPR           (Group C)

17:00 Portugal vs Russia                (Group C)