With three members of the Danish contingent having tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, Denmark have announced their withdrawal from the 28th edition of the Algarve Cup. Head Coach Lars Sondergaard is one of those who have come down with the virus, and all three have gone into quarantine. Meanwhile, the rest of the delegation will leave Portugal today on a charter flight. The game between Sweden and Denmark, which was scheduled to take place at 18:00 CET this afternoon, has therefore been cancelled and, based on the rules of the tournament, three points (a 3-0 victory) have been awarded to the Swedes, who have now drawn level with Italy and Portugal at the top of the table.

With Denmark no longer involved, the format of the Algarve Cup has changed. On Wednesday 23 February, in addition to the final, a third place playoff will be played instead of the mini three-way tournament that was originally planned to determine the final three positions. Both matches will kick off at 12:00 CET.

The teams that will compete in the final at the Estádio Municipal de Lagos on Wednesday will be decided on Sunday. After their excellent victory over Denmark in their opening match, Italy are set to face a Norway side that lost to Portugal last time out. As for the hosts, a match against Sweden awaits. In the event that any teams finish level on points, goal difference will come into play.

Meanwhile, the Azzurre are continuing their preparations ahead of their next two fixtures. A double session is in store today, while the team will then add the finishing touches tomorrow morning knowing that they’ve got the opportunity to make it to their second consecutive Algarve Cup final.

Tournament schedule (all times in local time - GMT)

Wednesday 16 February
Denmark 0-1 ITALY
Norway 0-2 Portugal

Friday 18 February
Sweden vs. Denmark cancelled (Sweden awarded a 3-0 win)

Sunday 20 February
12:00 ITALY vs. Norway (Estadio Algarve - Faro)
17:15 Portugal vs. Sweden (Estadio Algarve - Faro)

Wednesday 23 February
11:00 Final (Estadio Municipal - Lagos)
11:00 – Third place playoff (Estadio Algarve - Faro)