Algarve Cup 2013

The USA ended Germany’s 22-match unbeaten run to win the 20th Algarve Cup, Alex Morgan scoring both first-half goals in a 2-0 final. It was a ninth Algarve title and a first tournament for new coach Tom Sermanni; both sides started without big names, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe among them, with Rapinoe still named Player of the Tournament. She Kicks highlights a Norwegian resurgence under returning coach Even Pellerud, built on 17-year-old forwards Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Hansen, Norway taking third on penalties against Sweden. Pia Sundhage, in post since November, experiments with a Sweden side building towards a home Euro 2013, with Schelin, Asslani and Goransson still to click. Mexico win the development group under Leonardo Cuellar; Jessica Fishlock scores Wales’ 1-0 win over them and again in the play-off lost on penalties to Portugal.