Germany take Algarve trophy

Germany, UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-finalists last season, have shown their intent to at least match that achievement this year by winning the prestigious Algarve Tournament for the first time.

Moses parts defence
In the 30th edition of the competition, the Portuguese hosts - who have won the event 15 times - competed with Germany, holders France and England. It proved a tough event for Portugal, who lost 1-0 to England on Matchday 1 thanks to Victor Moses's superb volleyed backheel from a corner. Germany overcame France 2-0 with two Sascha Bigalke goals.

Showdown set up
The next day France got off the mark as they held England 1-1. Rhys Murphy converted a 23rd-minute penalty for England after Tom Elliott was fouled, but Thibault Bourgeois equalised early in the second half. It was the same score between Germany and Portugal, ensuring the Germans' match with England today would be for the title. Rui Ferreira gave Portugal a 17th-minute lead but the hosts' hope of a 16th title was ended by Henning Sauerbier's leveller early in the second half.

German success
France beat Portugal 2-1 for third place, Henry Saivet and Yann M'Vila striking early in each half before Wilson's consolation. But the trophy was at stake in Guia, and England put themselves in control 12 minutes in through Jonathan Franks. However, they could not add to their lead and in the second half Germany - needing only a draw - took over, Marvin Knoll and Sauerbier putting them into a 56th-minute lead and Bigalke sealing a 3-1 success from the spot eight minutes before time, to take his international tally at U17 level to five goals in nine games.

'Excellent attacking football'
Germany coach Paul Schomann said after the final match: "Even though the pitch was difficult to play on, this was our best performance at this tournament. It was a mixture of the first and second matches, combining all the good aspects of the two matches. We played excellent attacking football today. We started better than England, then we had some problems, during which we conceded. In the second half we concentrated and controlled the match, so the goals were the logical consequence."

Peacock praises opponents
England manager John Peacock admitted: "Over the 80 minutes they were better than us and deserved to win the tournament. They were the best team we have played and have set the benchmark. The players have given me something to think about," he said. "They have also played three games in four days, that is excellent experience for us all."

Finals aim
All these four teams will now turn their attentions to qualifying for the U17 finals in Belgium. Portugal stage Elite round Group 6 from 19 March against holders Russia, Northern Ireland and Iceland while Germany start two days later, also at home in Group 1 versus the Republic of Ireland, Greece and Scotland. England are in Bosnia-Herzegovina from 23 March for Group 3, with Serbia and Azerbaijan also involved, and France stage the final mini-tournament, from 26-31 March, versus Poland, Switzerland and Sweden.