The Forgotten Heroes of Women’s Soccer

The first women’s world cup tournament in 1971

As I sat down to watch the documentary Copa 71, I was struck by how little I knew about the history of women’s soccer. The film opens with American soccer legend Brandi Chastain being confronted with footage from the first women’s world cup tournament in 1971, and her reaction is a mix of shock, happiness, and anger. I couldn’t help but feel the same emotions as I watched the film.

The documentary takes us on a journey from the early days of women’s soccer, when it was popular in the early 1900s, to the time when it was literally a crime for women to play the game in some countries. The film shows how the men in charge of soccer got nervous as women got good, and how they tried to shut down the sport. Male doctors claimed that soccer was bad for women’s health, and FIFA even decreed that any national soccer federation that allowed women to use their facilities would be penalized.

But despite all the obstacles, women’s soccer persisted. The film takes us to the 1971 women’s world cup tournament in Mexico, where teams from all over Europe and Latin America competed in front of crowds of over 100,000 screaming fans. The footage from the tournament is incredible, showing women who were fierce, competitive, and passionate about the game.

The England team returns home from the 1971 women’s world cup tournament

The film also explores the lives of the women who played in the tournament, and how they were treated like heroes in Mexico, but barely noticed when they returned home. It’s a powerful commentary on how women’s achievements are often overlooked and undervalued.

As I watched the film, I couldn’t help but think about how far women’s soccer has come, but also how much work still needs to be done. The film is a celebration of the pioneers of women’s soccer, but it’s also a call to action to continue fighting for equality and recognition.

A moment from the 1971 women’s world cup tournament

Copa 71 is a must-watch for anyone who loves soccer, or anyone who cares about women’s rights and equality. It’s a powerful, moving, and inspiring film that will leave you cheering for the women who paved the way for future generations.