2014 Algarve Cup - Day 2 Review

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

 

The United States Women’s National Team’s 43 game unbeaten streak came to an end Friday in the Algarve Cup, ruling them out of contention for the championship final.

 

The USWNT lost 1-0 to Sweden in the second day of group games at the hands of former coach, Pia Sundhage, putting an end to their Algarve Cup dreams. The Swedish defence was anchored by Nilla Fischer but it was Lotta Schlein who slotted home the winner in the 24th minute after Sofia Jakobsson blocked Ali Krieger’s clearance.

 

Jakobssen then sent in the cross to Schlein who headed the ball into the net past Hope Solo. However, the real star of the game was Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl. An early penalty could have put the Yanks out in front but Abby Wambach’s strike was saved by Lindahl, who twice saved two one on one chances in the closing ten minutes to retain the win.

 

This surprising result means the US will not be in the running for the championship game on Wednesday March 5th despite entering the competition as clear favourites.

 



Elsewhere in Group B, Japan defeated Denmark 1-0 placing them in second place on four points behind Sweden who are on six, while Norway lost 1-0 to Iceland in Group A.

 

A 1-0 win in Group A for Germany over China sees the Germans progress to the final of the 2014 Algarve Cup where they will meet either Japan or Sweden on Wednesday March 12th from Group B.

 

Portugal suffered their first defeat of the competition at the hands of Russia, after winning an impressive 3-2 against Austria on Wednesday. The hosts lost 3-1 to a strong Russian side. Korea DPR defeated Austria 2-0 today, putting them in first place ahead of Portugal and Russia, while Austria remain pointless at the bottom in Group C.

 



Fixtures for Monday March 10:

14:40: Japan vs Sweden (Group B)

14:40: USA vs Denmark (Group B)

17:30: China vs Iceland (Group A)

17:30: Norway vs Germany (Group A)

17:30: Portugal vs Korea DPR (Group C)

17:30: Austria vs Russia (Group C)

 

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

 

Caroline Seger is fouled by Carli Lloyd 

 

Megan Rapinoe

 

Heather O'Reilly thinks it a penalty

 

Heather O'Reilly

 

Morgan Brian attempting to tackle Sofia Jakobsson

 

Abby Wambach attempts a diving header

 

Emma Lundh

    About Rebecca Stiffe

    View Full Profile