Loisel pride at French polish

Despite watching her side draw all three matches, coach Elisabeth Loisel expressed satisfaction at France's showing at the Four Nations Cup in China.

Leads squandered
On Sunday, Les Bleues squandered a lead in the dying moments for the second time in the tournament, conceding a late goal in the 1-1 draw against Norway just four days after suffering the same fate against the hosts. Laetitia Tonazzi gave France the lead on 18 minutes with a deft chip over goalkeeper Bente Nordby, but they were denied victory when Maritha Kaufman turned in a Norway corner two minutes from time.

'Very satisfied'
"I feel very satisfied with the way we have performed at this tournament, and that it's given us further valuable international experience," said Loisel. "I did not make many changes to the team over the three matches because I wanted to see how the players reacted to playing several games in a row, and I'm happy with what I have seen."

Lilly decisive
Had France held on in both games, they would have finished the tournament level on points with eventual winners the United States, who secured their fourth Four Nations title with a 2-0 win against China on Sunday. Captain Kristine Lilly proved decisive once again, scoring both goals and earning the tournament’s Best Player award.

England tussle
Loisel's side get another chance to topple the United States and China at the Algarve Cup in March. The tournament will be France's final preparation for their crucial FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against England on 26 March.