Australia loss costs Germany

By Mark Bennett

Despite today's impressive 2-0 victory against China, Germany could only finish third in the annual Four Nation Tournament in the Asian country.

China on top
The European champions lost their opening game 1-0 to Australia but recovered to record back-to-back successes against Russia and China. Germany's goal difference of plus two was inferior to the two sides who also finished on six points, China and Australia, with the hosts pipping the Matildas on the back of their 3-0 defeat of them today.

Devanna strike
It was always going to be difficult for Tina Theune-Meyer's side to finish atop the pool following their defeat by Australia on Friday. The Germans were the better side, particularly during the first half, but paid the price for their profligacy when Lisa Devanna drilled in the winning goal in the 53rd minute.

First game
"The game was a valuable experience," said Theune-Meyer with reference to a quartet of debutantes, Melanie Behringer Annike Krahn, Célia Okoyino da Mbabi and Jenny Zietz. "To be honest, I'm glad it happened now and not during this summer's [UEFA] European Championship."

Solid defence
It was business as usual against Russia, though, as Renate Lingor's 20th goal for her country, after 18 minutes following neat approach play involving Birgit Prinz, settled a tight match. "It was a good performance,"said Theune-Meyer on Sunday. "We lifted our game considerably, put Russia under a lot of pressure and defended well when we needed to."

Handsome victory
That success meant a handsome victory against the Chinese could see Germany come out on top as the tournament drew to a close today, and the European side were on course to do just that as Britta Carlson and Lingor both scored early on, only for the home defence to then stand firm.

Third place
For a side so used to success, a third-placed finish may have come as something of a shock. Theune-Meyer saw it differently, however, as some of Germany's most talented youngsters experienced senior tournament conditions ahead of WOMEN'S EURO 2005. "This trip was well worth it," said the 41-year-old coach. "I got a chance to look at the young players and they showed a lot of dedication. We improved as the tournament progressed and finished with a very effective display."

Algarve Cup
Germany are next in action at the Algarve Cup in March, where they will play Sweden, Norway and China. "That tournament in Portugal will be the final chance for players to show me that they belong in the squad [for EURO]," concluded Theune-Meyer. "I want to have my team ready by the time we play our final friendly against Canada in April."

Holders
Germany, the holders and favourites, were drawn in Group B for WOMEN'S EURO 2005. They will open their campaign against Norway ahead of fixtures against Italy and France.