Several Blues players are taking part in the Algarve Cup, Tournoi de France, Pinatar Cup and the Arnold Clark Cup and here we take a look at all the action so far...

Wednesday

Algarve Cup

The action kicked off on Wednesday afternoon with Denmark versus Italy. The Danes fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Italians with Barbara Bonansea’s 50th-minute strike proving the difference in a tight affair. Pernille Harder was an unused substitute for Denmark.

Guro Reiten was in the starting line-up for Norway where they faced hosts Portugal in their opening fixture. Despite controlling possession and creating a number of goalscoring opportunities, Norway failed to break down a resilient Portugal side. The hosts scored a goal apiece in the first and second half to get the first win of this year’s Algarve Cup.

Tournoi de France

Brazil versus the Netherlands kicked off the Tournoi de France on Wednesday evening. Blues defender Aniek Nouwen started for the Netherlands and earned her 25th cap for her country. The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes in a tightly-contested game. The Netherlands opened the scoring in the second half through Lineth Beerensteyn, however there was late drama as Marta scored an 87th-minute penalty for Brazil to snatch a point in their opening fixture of the tournament.

Pinatar Cup

It was a battle of the home nations as Wales faced Scotland in the quarter-final of the Pinatar Cup on Wednesday. Sophie Ingle captained Wales to the semi-final, while Poppy Soper, who recently joined the Blues on a dual agreement with Plymouth Argyle, featured on the bench. It was Scotland who opened the scoring, Lana Clelland found the back of the net three minutes into stoppage time in the first half, however her goal was soon cancelled out as Jess Fishlock converted a penalty just before the interval. Fishlock was on the scoresheet again eight minutes into the second half, before Natasha Harding rounded off a 3-1 win by converting on 61 minutes.

Last up for the opening night, Russia faced Hungary in the quarter-final of the Pinatar Cup with Alsu Abdullina starting for the Russians. In a thrilling game Russia opened the scoring on 51 minutes through Yana Sheina before Dora Zeller equalised for the Hungarians just three minutes later. Russia re-gained their lead thanks to a Elizaveta Lazareva goal but Zeller was on hand again to draw Hungary level. The game went to penalties and Hungary failed to score any of their spot-kicks, while Russia converted all three of theirs to progress into the semi-final.

Thursday

Arnold Clark Cup

The Arnold Clark Cup kicked off on Thursday with Germany taking on Spain in the opening fixture. Ann-Katrin Berger featured on the bench for Germany as they scored a late equaliser to earn a point against a strong Spain side. Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas opened the scoring as she pounced on a defensive error to lob goalkeeper Merle Frohms. Germany, who were missing a number of players due to Covid-19 and injuries, grabbed a late equaliser through Lea Schuller in the 88th minute as her strike from inside the area secured a point at the Riverside Stadium.

Four of our Blues were representing the Lionesses in the evening as England hosted Olympic champions Canada at the Riverside Stadium. Fran Kirby and Millie Bright started for the Lionesses with Jess Carter and Niamh Charles on the bench. Jessie Fleming captained Canada for the first time in what proved to be an exciting encounter. Bright opened the scoring in the first half with a perfectly struck volley in the 22nd minute, however Canada equalised in the second half through a stunning Janine Beckie effort. Carter was brought on in the second half as both teams pushed for a winner, however the contest ended in a 1-1 draw after an even contest.

Friday

Sweden were due to face Denmark in the Algarve Cup this evening, however Denmark announced last night that they have had to withdraw from the tournament due to four positive Covid-19 cases in the squad.

A number of fixtures are set to take place this weekend and we’ll be back next week with our second international Blues round-up.