Japan are among the sides competing at the Algarve Cup
by Kara McDermott
The US Women’s National Team will have an easier group to compete in when they kick off at the Algarve Cup in South Portugal next week, but it should give soccer fans some insight into what Jill Ellis’ squad will do when faced with the group of death at the World Cup in June.
The Algarve Cup is an annual invitational, and is generally considered the more prestigious of the two big spring competitions. Six of the top-10 ranked teams will make an appearance: Germany (1), US (2), France (3), Japan (4), Sweden (5), Brazil (8).
Its counterpart, The Cyprus Cup, also begins on March 4 and will feature CONCACAF rivals Canada and Mexico, as well as other World Cup contenders Korea Republic (South Korea), England, Australia, and Netherlands.
In the down years, the Algarve Cup is often used to try out new players and formations. This year, it’s one of the US’ most tune-ups before the World Cup in June.
The US will face off against Norway, Switzerland and Iceland in group play. The former two also have spots in the World Cup this year, but none of the teams from the US’ Algarve group are in the same group at the World Cup.
Between The Posts
The biggest news to come out of the release of Ellis’ roster is the reinstatement of Seattle Reign goalkeeper Hope Solo. Widely considered one of the world’s best, Solo has been serving a 30 day suspension after an incident involving her husband in training camp earlier this year.
With Solo back, Ellis quietly dropped Nicole Barnhart, Solo’s longtime second, in favor of Boston Breakers’ Alyssa Naeher. Barnhart plays for reigning champions FC Kansas City.
Ashlyn Harris, who played both of the recent European matches against France and England, will also be traveling to South Portugal.
What The US Needs
The US had a largely lackluster showing against France and England recently, which puts additional pressure on the Algarve Cup to establish the team in the face of an incredibly tough group at the World Cup this summer.
So far, the team has four friendlies scheduled between the Algarve and the World Cup. The last two against Mexico and South Korea should be solid competition, but New Zealand in early April and Ireland in early May probably won’t provide much competition.
All this to say that decisions and scouting will be made at the Algarve that should directly affect what we see in Canada in June.
The US will play what will likely be the toughest group match first on March 4 against Norway, followed by Switzerland on March 6 and Iceland on March 9. Their placement match will be on March 11. Fox Sports 1 will be carrying the games.
