Wales to face Portugal again in Algarve Cup

The Wales women’s football team finished their 2013 Algarve Cup group fixtures on four points after beating Mexico in game two and then drawing with Hungary.

The Welsh had tasted defeat against hosts Portugal in their opening game, going down 2-0, but bounced back in the second match to beat Mexico 1-0.

Jess Fishlock showed the form that recently earned her a big move to the USA by winning possession on halfway, driving forward and firing what turned out to be the winning goal in from 25 yards in the first half.

The game gradually became end-to-end attacking football, with the Welsh defence throwing themselves in front of shots and Nicola Davies, currently without a club, impressing in the Welsh goal.

It was a just reward for Wales, who had shown plenty of endeavour in that opening defeat to the Portuguese. It was also a special moment for Amy Thrupp, of PILCS FC, who earned her first cap after coming on as a late substitute.

In the group’s other match, Portugal went down to the Hungarians, meaning that all four sides entered the final round of games level on three points.

Wales entered their last match with Hungary knowing that a win could see them top the group.

They got off to a flier when Chelsea striker Helen Ward spotted the opposing goalkeeper off her line and delightfully chipped the ball in to the net.

They continued to apply the pressure and Fishlock and Ward both went close on more than one occasion.

But Davies also had to be alert at times, and did well to deflect a well-struck free-kick around the post before the break.

Hungary looked more hungry after half-time, and Davies, and the post, had to come to Wales’ rescue.

The pressure told, and Welsh hearts were broken when their opponents finally found the back of the net to leave the final score at 1-1.

In the group’s other game, Mexico thrashed hosts Portugal 3-0 to soar to the top of the group, meaning Wales finished third on goal difference behind Hungary.

The tournament is split in to three groups, with Wales’ Group C containing the four lowest ranked sides. Therefore, they will now face Portugal again on Wednesday (March 13) in the 11^th-place play-off to decide who finishes 11^th and 12^th in the tournament’s overall final standings.

After topping Group A and Group B respectively, Germany will take on the USA in the final on the same day, while Norway and Denmark will contest the third-place play-off after finishing runners up in their respective groups.

Reigning world champions Japan, ranked third in the world behind the USA and Germany, will probably be disappointed at only contesting the fifth-place play-off with China.

The latest Fifa Women’s Rankings will be announced on March 22, with Wales hoping their good performances will result in a climb from their current position of 39^th in the world.