A tearful Erin Cuthbert told aspiring women’s footballers in Scotland not to give up on their dreams after the national team’s dramatic and controversial exit from the Women’s World Cup.
Scotland established a 3-0 lead over Argentina in Paris which would likely have been enough to see Shelley Kerr’s side qualify for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed sides.
But Argentina staged a stunning late comeback to draw 3-3 and deny Scotland’s progress, with the comeback completed from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Florencia Bonsegundo’s penalty was initially saved by goalkeeper Lee Alexander, only for Alexander to be punished for straying marginally off her goal-line.
Bonsegundo scored the second kick and earned Argentina the point they required to finish third in Group D and consign Scotland to elimination in last place.
Cuthbert, who scored Scotland’s third goal and was named Fifa’s player of the match, later gave an emotional interview upon accepting the award.
When asked for her message to young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps and play at a World Cup for Scotland, Cuthbert said: “Don’t give up on your dreams.
“I’m lucky enough to have achieved mine, just didn’t get to the last 16. These things happen. I’m so proud of the girls tonight.”
On Scotland’s dramatic exit, the Chelsea attacking midfielder added: “The girls’ performance was absolutely wonderful. We’ve done so well to come out the blocks against Argentina.
“We said we didn’t do that in first two games and we really took the game to them at the start. We imposed ourselves, played our football. I think that’s what got us the lead.
“We played really well, we linked together. I’m just so disappointed. Football has some incredible highs and some devastating lows. That showed tonight.”
