I'm currently in the Portugal for the 2010 NSCAA Algarve Cup Symposium, and I'm posting insights and info as we get to matches and training sessions- I hope you enjoy the updates!

Today began with a little drive to see the German Women's National Team train. The trip from our hotel was about 15 minutes through some very scenic spots.

U.S. forward Abby Wambach and goalkeeper Hope Solo are two of 10 nominees for the 2010 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year. The nominations included seven players who were part of WPS teams this past season. In addition, for the first time FIFA will name a men's and women's coach of the year and U.

USA

1 Hope Solo
2 Heather Mitts
5 Lori Lindsey
6 Amy LePeilbet
7 Shannon Boxx (Capt.)
8 Amy Rodriguez
9 Heather O'Reilly
13 Kristine Lilly
14 Stephanie Cox
20 Abby Wambach
26 Rachel Buehler

Subs:
11 Megan Rapinoe
12 Yael Averbuch
15 Kate Markgraf
16 Ali Krieger
18 Nicole Barnhart
21 Alex Morgan
22 Brittany Taylor

Germany

1 Nadine Angerer
3 Saskia Bartusiak
5 Annike Krahn
6 Simone Laudehr
7 Melanie Behringer
8 Inka Grings
9 Birgit Prinz (Capt.

A 2-1 defeat to current FIFA World Cup winners Germany is certainly not a bad thing, but I think the most interesting point to come from this is just how different it was from playing in Asia. Cue Kate Gill's comments,
"The football here is very different to Asian Football. They are more physical in Europe," she said.

For the first time since 1989, one single club can boast the honour of employing all three players named on FIFA's 2010 Ballon d'Or shortlist.

21 years ago, AC Milan achieved the feat when legendary triumvirate Franco Baresi, Frank Rijkaard and eventual winner Marco Van Basten were whittled down from the preliminary long list, but this time round it is Catalan powerhouse Barcelona who are now guaranteed to see one of their number crowned as the best player in world football come January 10th.