Germany and France show promise

Three of the four teams in UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ Group B competed in the Algarve Cup over the last week, with Germany, France and Norway all recording some useful results.

Lingor landmark
World and European champions Germany were aiming to win the prestigious tournament in Portugal for the first time, and made a perfect start as they overcame arch-rivals Sweden 2-1 in Group A, Birgit Prinz striking the winner 13 minutes from time. Norway were then defeated 4-0, Renate Lingor winning her 100th cap, as Germany clinched a final place with a game to spare.

US pip Germany
The group stage was completed in style with a 2-0 win against China. But Germany were denied in the decider as Olympic champions the United States triumphed 1-0 thanks to an 18th-minute Christie Welsh goal, giving the Americans their fourth Algarve Cup - equalling Norway's record.

'Work left to do'
Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer said: "All in all I am pretty happy with our performances. We tried a few things out and I got a good look at some of the young players that are in contention for a place in the European championship squad. We all know we have got work left to do before the start of the championship. We controlled our opponents here, but we did not always cash in on our dominance. We will definitely have to work on performances in front of goal."

France impress
Theune-Meyer's team continue their preparations for England with a two-game home friendly series against Canada on 21 and 24 April, before opening their European title defence against Norway on 6 June. The same day France - who finished an impressive third for the second consecutive year in Portugal - play an Italy side which did not compete in the Algarve Cup

Bronze medal
After losing their Group B opener 1-0 to the US, France recovered to beat Denmark 2-1 with a last-gasp Corinne Diacre goal, and then defeated Finland 2-1 to claim second place in the pool. A third win against EURO contenders followed in the third-placed play-off, Sweden overcome 3-2 in a game where the world and European runners-up equalised twice before succumbing.

Tough schedule
France coach Elisabeth Loisiel said: "The balance sheet looks good at the end. The pace of three games within six days was tough, but we played some good football. I am satisfied with the way the new faces acted in the squad and how the more experienced girls have grown into real leaders." Her side welcome the Netherlands on 13 April for a friendly, and later next month visit the US and Canada.

Norway show improvement
Norway, finalists in 2004, did not succeed in their bid for a fifth Algarve Cup, but their opening 2-1 win against China was one of three promising results after some recent reverses. A 4-0 defeat by the US ended their hopes of overall victory, but they then drew 1-1 with Sweden and beat Denmark 2-1 to ensure fifth place. Next up for Norway is a friendly with EURO hosts England in Barnsley on 6 May.