Germany beats US to win Algarve Cup
(AP)
Updated: 2006-03-16 08:39

FARO, Portugal - World Cup champion Germany beat the United States 4-3 in a penalty shootout Wednesday to win the Algarve Cup for the first time.

With the game scoreless after 120 minutes, Shannon Boxx's penalty was saved by Germany goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg and Abby Wambach sent her shot off the crossbar to give the European champions the title.

The U.S. women's team, ranked No. 2 in the world, was trying to win its fourth straight title at the 11-nation tournament in southern Portugal.

The match was a rematch of last year's final, which the Americans won 1-0.

The United States had the best chances during regulation time but Rottenberg, who didn't allow a goal during regular play in the four-game event, thwarted each attempt.

"I feel we played much better than last year against Germany," United States coach Greg Ryan said. "We dominated the No. 1 team in the world."

The Americans hit the bar twice in three minutes in the first half, Lilly Wagner missing from close range and Carli Lloyd came close with a powerful long-range shot.

After the interval, Rottenberg produced spectacular saves to foil Wambach, Wagner and Kristine Lilly.

"This game was a bit of a heartbreaker," Wambach said.

Sweden took third place in the tournament with a 1-0 victory over France. Midfielder Lotta Schelin scored the only goal. Also, Norway beat China 1-0, Finland edged Mexico 4-3 and Denmark beat Ireland 4-0.