SCOTS CRASH OUT AFTER VAR CHAOS
SCOTLAND’S World Cup campaign ended in agonising fashion in Paris as they threw away a 3-0 lead in just 16 minutes against Argentina, who completed the fightback with a controversial 94th-minute penalty. Needing a win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages, Shelley Kerr’s team were cruising to victory after goals from Kim Little, Jen Beattie and Erin Cuthbert. But Milagros Menendez and a Lee Alexander own goal set up a nervy finish and their heartache was complete in added time when Argentina were awarded a VAR penalty after Sophie Howard, who had just come on as a substitute, brought down Aldana Cometti. Goalkeeper Alexander saved the spot-kick but the Scotland No 1 had moved off her line, forcing a retake. Argentina midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo made no mistake at the second attempt and secured the draw that ended Scotland’s qualification hopes. Captain Rachel Corsie was furious with Korean referee Ri Hyang-ok because Argentina were allowed to play on and win their fateful late penalty while substitute Fiona Brown was entering the field of play. Speaking to the BBC, she said: ‘I thought we were outstanding. We just weren’t going to get the decisions and that was the bottom line. The third goal is ridiculous. It was clear for everyone to see that we were still making a substitution. ‘I don’t understand how that can be allowed at this level. ‘It’s just really, really sore that that is what has ultimately cost us the tournament.’