Spain crowned Algarve Cup women’s football champions

SPAIN’S national women’s football team will not forget International Women’s Day 2017 anytime soon after they won the Algarve Cup, the prestigious invitational tournament.

Remarkably, it was the first time that they have taken part in the competition.

Spain defeated Canada, the  defending champions, 1-0 in the final in Faro thanks to a fourth minute goal scored by  Leila Ouahabi.

Head coach Jorge Vilda’s side defended their early lead well and put together a solid performance at the back to keep Canada at bay.

The win will boost the confidence of the squad heading into the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017, which will be played in the Netherlands from 16 July to 6 August.

Spain will play in Group D, where they will face England, Scotland and Portugal.

MATCH FACTS

Spain:
Line-up: Sandra Paños, Mapi León, Ivana Andrés, Irene Paredes, Leila Ouahabi, Marta Torrejón, Silvia Meseguer, Amanda Sampedro (Alexandra López 83′), Alexia Putellas (Vicky Losada 70′), Jenni Hermoso, Olga García (Mariona Caldentey 61′).

Head Coach: Jorge Vilda

Canada:
Line-up: Labbe, Buchanan, Zadorsky, Quinn, Lawrence, Scott, Prince (Rose 40′), Beckie, Fleming, Huitema (Sinclair 40′), Levassur (Agnew 59′).

Head Coach: John Herdman