The 27th edition of the Algarve ‘Mundialito’ World Cup, among the four most important women’s football tournaments on the international stage, got under way on Wednesday.
This prestigious competition involves 12 countries including World Champions the USA, Sweden, Germany, China, Romania, Austria and Denmark.
The six opening group matches will be followed by today’s (Friday) encounters between Portugal-Romania (Parchal, 2pm), Denmark-China (Lagos, 3pm), Norway-USA (Olhão, 3pm), Iceland-Sweden (VRSA, 3pm), Germany-Finland (Parchal, 5pm) and Austria-Faroe Islands (Lagos, 6pm).
The final group stage matches are on Monday, March 1. The pick of the games are: Portugal v. Austria 2pm & China v. Germany 5pm (both at the Algarve Stadium); USA v. Sweden 3pm (Ferreiras); Norway v. Iceland 3pm (Silves). The Final takes place on Wednesday, March 3, at the Algarve Stadium. Time to be confirmed.
Perennial favourites America will be stronger than ever given the return of professional league football in the States but will have to better defending champions and group rivals Sweden to reach a probable title showdown against either Germany or Denmark. For more information, please visit www.afalgarve.pt (available in English).
S.B. and C.W.
