Women's World Cup Du Jour: Argentina shocks Scotland from three goals down, England wins group
This is Yahoo Soccer’s daily Women’s World Cup recap. From the best performances to the buzziest moments, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing from France.
Key result
Argentina pulled off the biggest comeback in the history of the Women’s World Cup, scoring three times in the final 20 minutes to stun Scotland and hand the Scots their walking papers. And like plenty of other instances so far in France, VAR played a role.
Scotland took a three-goal lead on the strength of a goal and an assist by Erin Cuthbert, and Milagros Menendez handed Argentina hope by pulling one back in the 74th minute. A few minutes later, Flor Bonsegundo heightened tensions even further when she fired from long range and caught a fortunate bounce past the goal line off the outstretched hand of Scotland keeper Lee Alexander.
Shortly before stoppage time, Sophie Howard brought down Argentina’s Aldana Cometti in the box, and while referee Ri Hyang-ok waved off any infraction, VAR buzzed her to take another look and she correctly awarded the penalty. Bonsegundo’s attempt was saved by Alexander, but for seemingly the umpteenth time this World Cup, VAR ruled the keeper left her line early. Bonsegundo converted the second kick, salvaging a miraculous and potentially critical point.
So now Argentina, which overcame plenty of obstacles just to reach the World Cup, would make the knockout stage provided neither Chile nor Cameroon win on Thursday. If they don’t, Argentina qualifies as the last of four third-place teams eligible thanks to tiebreakers.
And all Scotland can do is wonder what went wrong. One thing’s for sure: Nobody in Scotland, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is happy with VAR right now.
I still don’t fully understand how it works, but I understand enough to know that I hate VAR! @FIFAWWC
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 19, 2019
Standout player
Ellen White, England
With all the fireworks over in Paris, it’s easy to forget the Group D winner was decided in Nice as England beat Japan 2-0. White scored both goals for the Three Lionesses, once in the first half and once in the second, each a clever finish to shirk Japanese keeper Ayaka Yamashita. England gets a measure of revenge for its semifinal loss to Japan four years ago, and after winning all three group games, the Lionesses head into the knockout stage brimming with confidence.
Best goal
Flor Bonsegundo, Argentina
Yes, it was technically an own goal, and yes, we said earlier it caught a fortunate bounce. But just look at this hit by Bonsegundo. Look at its placement and pace. What exactly is Alexander supposed to do with that?
IT'S NOT OVER YET!
Argentina score their second goal in five minutes to pull within one of Scotland! pic.twitter.com/7RKbxpPQK7— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2019
Headlines from the touchlines
Hope Solo blames equal pay fight, not ‘cowards’ comment, for ban
Why integral Lindsey Horan has gone unnoticed for USWNT
How Argentina went from non-existent to Women’s World Cup
FIFA: Officials were wrong to boot pro-Iran fans from match
Thursday’s games
Netherlands vs. Canada, Group E, Noon ET
Cameroon vs. New Zealand, Group E, Noon ET
Thailand vs. Chile, Group F, 3 p.m. ET
Sweden vs. United States, Group F, 3 p.m. ET
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