Despite a huge edge in play, the USA fell to Germany Wednesday in a shootout in the final of the 2006 Algarve Cup, the premier international tournament for womenÆs national teams.
The U.S. outshot Germany (16-8), had an advantage in corner kicks (13-3) and hit the crossbar twice in the first half, but couldnÆt beat veteran German goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg. In the penalty kick shootout, Aly Wagner, Cat Whitehill and Kristine Lilly converted for the USA, but Shannon Boxx and Abby Wambach missed the second and fourth attempts while the Germans converted all four attempts. Algarve Cup
Final
March 15 in Faro
Germany 0 USA 0 (USA wins 4-3 on penalties).
USA û Solo, Mitts, Whitehill, LePeilbet, Rampone, Boxx, Lloyd (Tarpley, 69, Miller, 102), Wagner, OÆReilly (Kai, 70; Rodriguez, 116), Wambach, Lilly.
Germany û Rottenberg, Stegemann, Jones, Minnert (Fuss, 106), Krahn, Carlson (Okoyino da Mbabi, 59), Pohlers, Garefrekes, 20-Wimbersky, Prinz, Mittag (Behringer, 65).
Referee: Tammy Ogston (Australia).
Att,: 1,000.