Algarve Cup 2012 Schedule: Top Contenders in Marquee Women's Tournament

The 2012 Algarve Cup is underway in Portugal with most of the top women's teams in the world taking part in the tournament. The United States returns to defend its title from last year, which was the country's eighth in the event.

Here's a look at the top contenders to take home the trophy this time around. For a complete schedule of games, visit the tournament website.

United States

The Americans are still ranked No. 1 despite failing to bring home the World Cup last year, and field a strong roster in defense of their title. Abby Wambach, who has scored an eye-popping 131 goals for the red, white and blue, is expected to lead the way once again.

It will be interesting to see how manager Pia Sundhage decides to use Alex Morgan. She's been used mostly off the bench during Sundhage's tenure, but she really needs to start getting more consistent minutes for the United States to reach its maximum potential.

Even though the Olympics are the team's main focus this year, they aren't going to let this opportunity slip away without putting up a fight.

Japan

Japan enters as the defending World Cup champions after knocking off Team USA in a thrilling Final last summer. The team is surely hoping some of that momentum is still left over to make another deep tournament run in Portugal.

Veteran Homare Sawa is Japan's leading scorer, but this tournament will be seen as a chance for younger stars like Yuki Nagasato to emerge. The one thing Japan has is plenty of depth, so they are strong contenders to keep their hot streak alive.

Since Japan and the United States are in the same group, only one can advance to the Final. So when those two teams face off it will likely be a virtual elimination game.

Germany

The second-ranked German squad is being overlooked due to the focus on the aforementioned teams, but they have a similar chance of bringing home the title because of an easier group. They will also be looking for a big showing after last year's disappointment.

Germany will field a pretty young lineup, so everybody will be looking toward Martina Muller for direction. The 31-year-old striker has 33 goals in 98 caps, but it's her leadership skills that will be tested over the next couple weeks.

Assuming Germany is able to get past Sweden, their biggest threat in Group A, they will be waiting for the USA or Japan in the Final as a formidable opponent.