UEFA's last four places at China 2007 were decided in each respective team's last qualifying match. Sweden qualified with a 2-0 win over the Czech Rep as Hanna LJUNGBERG's two goals secured first place in Group 2. In Group 3, Denmark fought off a strong challenge from Finland and took first place with a 1-0 win. Germany held on to win 3-2 against Russia to win Group 4. And in Rennes, France needed a win to qualify from Group 5 and in fact got a late equaliser from Ludivine DIGUELMAN. But Les Bleues couldn't find net again, and England escaped with a 1-1 draw and a ticket to their second Women's World Cup.

Germany won their first Algarve Cup 4-3 on penalties after the final against the United States ended goalless through 120 minutes. German keeper Silke ROTTENBERG maintained her four match clean sheet, as well as saving Shannon BOXX's attempt during the shootout. Sweden defeated France 1-0 in the third place match of the annual invitational tournament in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

The draw for UEFA's 2007 Women's World Cup qualifiers was made on FRI 18 MAR 2005, putting twenty five hopefuls into five groups. The highlight is Group 4, where defending champions Germany must face Russia; both teams topped their respective groups at USA 2003. France and England are partners in Group 5, after les Bleues eliminated England for UEFA's last place at the 2003 Women's World Cup. The five group winners qualify, with play beginning in AUG 2005. more...