A new feature film on the 1971 Women's World Cup sheds light on the hidden controversies surrounding the historic event. The tournament, held in Mexico City, witnessed a record-breaking attendance of approximately 110,000 spectators at the Estadio Azteca, surpassing even the official world record set by FC Barcelona in 2022.
The semi-final clash between Mexico and Italy during the 1971 Women's World Cup was marred by a heated altercation. Italy, led by star player Elena Schiavo, took an early lead but Mexico fought back, securing a 2-1 advantage at halftime through penalties converted by Patty Hernández.
As tensions escalated, Italy felt aggrieved by referee decisions disallowing their goals, leading to confrontations and physical altercations between players. The match ended prematurely, with Mexico advancing to the final amidst controversy.
In the aftermath, Italian players expressed frustration over the perceived bias, with accusations of a conspiracy against them. The film 'Copa 71' delves into the untold stories of the pioneering women who defied societal norms to make the 1971 Women's World Cup a commercial success.
The final saw Denmark triumph over Mexico, retaining their title in a 3-0 victory. However, the Mexican team faced challenges off the field, engaging in a dispute over compensation with tournament organizers, mirroring modern-day calls for equal pay in women's sports.
Despite the tumultuous build-up, the Mexican players ultimately took to the field, but their under-preparedness and emotional strain contributed to their defeat in the final. The 1971 Women's World Cup marked a significant chapter in women's soccer history, paving the way for future advancements in the sport.
