International: Defeat for Italy in Algarve Cup final

Camelia Ceasar once again started for Romania, keeping a clean sheet as her side beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in a friendly encounter on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Italy finished second in the Algarve Cup after defeat in Wednesday's final against Sweden.

Valentina Giacinti had opened the scoring for the Azzurre, only for the side to eventually be pegged back before succumbing via the lottery of penalties.

Giallorosse regulars Elena Linari and Lucia Di Guglielmo both started the final, while Manuela Giugliano, Annamaria Serturini and Benedetta Glionna were all added to the action as the game continued.

Angelica Soffia was an unused substitute.

Giugliano took the first Italian penalty of the shootout, although it was Serturini's missed effort that ultimately saw Sweden crowned winners.

"Over 90 minutes it finished 1-1," Linari said after the game.

"We went toe-to-toe with Sweden, runners-up at the Olympics, and that represents a big step forward for the team.

"We dug deep and I believe that spirit and resilience will serve us well in the future."

Meanwhile, in the third-place play-off at the tournament Emilie Haavi helped Norway to a 2-0 victory over Portugal that secured them the bronze position.

Milica Mijatovic played a full role as Serbia beat Turkey 5-2 in World Cup qualifying, closing the gap on Portugal in the process.

Switzerland were beaten 3-0 by Austria - Vanessa Bernauer playing the full 90 minutes in the loss.