Sweden miss out on Algarve final
Monday, March 12, 2007
Article summary
Sweden have missed out on the Algarve Cup final after a tense 3-2 defeat by the United States, who play Denmark for the title despite their 3-0 loss against Germany.
Article body
Sweden have missed out on the Algarve Cup final after a tense 3-2 defeat by the United States, who play Denmark for the title on Wednesday despite the Group A winners' 3-0 loss against Germany.
US pip Sweden
Following victories against Finland and China, Sweden only needed a draw against the US to top Group B and set-up an all-Scandinavian decider, but the US led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals late in the first half from Abby Wambach and Carli Lloyd. Josefine Öqvist headed in Therese Sjögran's corner with 19 minutes left to give Sweden hope but immediately Wambach turned in a Shannon Boxx cross. Victoria Svensson reduced arrears from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute but the US held on. Finland secured third place in the group by beating FIFA Women's World Cup hosts China 2-0.
German consolation
Three of Europe's other World Cup contenders alongside Sweden - Denmark, Germany and Norway - were in Group A. Denmark's wins against Norway and France, both victors against Germany, had already secured first place and a final slot as they aim to win the 14-year-old tournament for the first time. Germany were already confirmed in fourth place, losing their grip on the title, but the world and European champions brought an end to a five-match run without a win by overcoming Denmark. Anja Mittag struck on 16 and 44 minutes and Melanie Behringer scored the third early in the second half. "I am glad we have won again," German coach Silvia Neid said. "We have created many chances and improved our performance from game to game during the tournament."
France defeat Norway
France, who missed out on the World Cup behind England, secured second place in the group and a third-place play-off against Sweden as they defeated Norway 1-0 thanks to Camille Abily's 67th-minute goal. Norway will meet Finland for fifth on Wednesday, while seventh place will be between Germany and Italy, who had already won Group C but finished with a 4-1 win against the Republic of Ireland. Iceland, second in Group C after a 5-1 defeat of Portugal, will play China to decide ninth place and the hosts take on Ireland in the remaining play-off.
