Wednesday 08 March 2017, 20:43

Spain crowned Algarve Cup champions

Spain will not forget International Women's Day 2017 anytime soon. For the first time in their history, Spain won the Algarve Cup, the prestigious invitational tournament. Even more remarkably, they did it on their first participation in the competition.

Spain defeated defending Algarve Cup champions Canada 1-0 in the final in Faro thanks to an early goal scored by defender Leila Ouahabi in the fourth minute.

Jorge Vilda's side defended their early lead well and put together a solid, collective performance at the back to keep John Herdman's Canada at bay.

On their way to the title, Spain defeated 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup™ runners-up Japan and Norway, runners-up at UEFA Women's EURO 2013.

The victory will give Vilda's squad great confidence 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 come up against England, Scotland and Portugal.