For a second successive time and fourth in its history, the FIFA Women’s World Cup was lifted high into the sky by the hands of an American.

The eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup was the biggest and most successful to date but just like four years ago, the United States of America were unbeatable. They had sent warning signs out early in the competition. A 13-0 battering of Thailand broke the record for biggest winning margin at the tournament. Victories over Chile and Sweden secured a highly predictable top spot in Group F with eighteen goals scored and none conceded.

Spain gave the defending champions a scare but two Megan Rapinoe penalties secured passage into the last eight while the captain went into the headlines with her comments about the United States of America president, Donald Trump. Rapinoe stole the headlines a few days later as her double sent the hosts packing in Paris and set up a semi-final against England.

This was a meeting that many had anticipated could decide the World Cup as a whole. England had escaped the emotionally charged Cameroon side without picking up any injuries in a high tempered affair before putting a strong Norwegian side to the sword with ease. However, like four years ago, England would fall at the semi-final stage as two headers, the second from Alex Morgan who celebrated with the controversial ‘tea drinking celebration’ sent Phil Neville’s side out and a few days later they would suffer defeat to Sweden in the third fourth place play off. The Swedes had just missed out on a second World Cup final after an extra time defeat to the Netherlands but third place was their best performance since finishing runners-up to Germany in 2003.

It was the defending champions versus the European champions in the final and the Dutch did something that no one managed in the whole of the World Cup. Stop America scoring in the first half. Two goals in the space of eight minutes in the second half denied the Dutch a first World Cup triumph and perhaps showed the gulf America still have over Europe in women’s football.

The Scots

The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the first time Scotland featured on the world stage for the first time this century and first time in the history of the women’s game. Shelley Kerr’s side was given a horrible looking draw with England, 2011 runners-up Japan and an up and coming Argentina side. Just like two years at the European Championships, Scotland opened their tournament against England but unlike two years ago in Utrecht, it was not as one sided.

A harsh penalty gave England the lead before England doubled their lead shortly before half time but Claire Emslie made history by scoring Scotland’s first ever goal at a World Cup. A narrow 2-1 defeat was followed by the same score line against Japan as the Scots were left to rue referring decisions once again, and that was just a flavour of what was to come.

The format of the Women’s World Cup means four of the best third places in the group stage also qualify to the knock out stage and the equation was simple for Scotland as they arrived at the Parc Des Princes. Win and third place would be secured and highly likely, one of the best third place spots. Argentina stood in their way. A country who also had the same situation.

For 70 minutes, Scotland played like a team that were heading to the knockout stage. Three up and seemingly cruising but what was to come would be classic Scotland and join the list of unlucky decisions to cost Scotland in sport such as the awarding of a free kick for Italy that would ultimately lead to Scotland narrowly failing to qualify for Euro 2008 or a penalty to Australia in the final moments to deny Scotland victory and a spot at the Rugby World Cup semi-finals four years ago.

Two goals in the space of five minutes brought Argentina back into the game before a rash challenge awarded Argentina a penalty, admittedly though, six minutes after the challenge had been made asthe Video Assistant Referee (VAR) took its time. The initial penalty was saved but once again VAR would be the cause of nightmares of Scots as a retake was given and with the ball hitting the back of the net, it signalled the end for Scotland in France.

VAR Controversy

VAR in football is a very divisive issue. Does it take too long or is it even getting decisions right? In France this summer, VAR would create headlines but mainly for the wrong reasons. It would be wrong to put the blame solely at VAR’s door as the IFaB brought in new rules ahead of the tournament. As you may have guessed, this was always a recipe for disaster. The new rules combined with VAR brought the tournament as a whole under intense spotlight as handballs caused penalties to be given that would ultimately knock teams out such as Japan as they conceded in the dying moments in their last 16 tie against the Netherlands.

Scotland conceded a penalty due to handball against England but failed to receive one when Japan handled in the box the following game. Norway had a penalty appeal waved away in their quarter-final clash against England as the new rules caused chaos at times.

Summer of Success

Despite the issues regarding the officiating at times during the tournament, the World Cup can be deemed a success but there is still plenty of work to be done. In Paris, ahead of Scotland’s Group D match against Argentina, you would have not been blamed for being unaware a World Cup was even happening, never mind that a game was taking place in the city as the lack of signage and supporter events were evident. It wasn’t till you were at the Parc Des Princes was it clear that a World Cup was taking place. Clearly, there is still work to be done ahead of the next major tournament, the European Championships, in two years’ time being hosted by England but women’s football is on the rise, and for once, the Scottish team took part in it.

Photo Creds- Craig Edwards