Copa 71 was the first women’s football world championship held in Mexico in 1971. It was scorned by FIFA in its true patriarchal view of football. It was not recognized as a “true championship” even by the Women’s Football Association of England. In 1921 the English Football Association stated any of its members that permitted female ballers would be banned and excluded from the association. Other European football associations followed suit topped by Brazil which made football playing by women illegal.
The documentary “COPA 71” delves into the history of women’s football through interviews with members of the English, French, Argentinian, Mexican, Italian and Danish teams of COPA 71. It is foremost an inspiring story of pride and fortitude against all odds. It is a story long forgotten even by today’s women football stars. It is chock full of history, drama and a huge streak of sexism. In short all the members of the various football teams participating in COPA 71 experienced societal approbation if not mockery in their childhood attempts to play soccer. Nicole Mangus of the French national team stated when women’s teams played in France men were the biggest spectators not for the sport but for the female anatomy. One French sports commentator at the time stated female soccer was a curious mix of erotic and comedic.
In addition to the historic analysis the archival footage of the games is exciting especially if you don’t know the winner of COPA 71 of which I am not going to be a spoiler by telling you. Bear in mind the 110,000 spectators of the COPA 71 final held in Mexico’s City’s Azteca Stadium on 5September1971 represents the largest in stadium audience for a women’s athletic event ever.
An incredible and largely forgotten achievement of propelling the growth of women’s football to the point today globally it is the fastest growing sport.
A digital/VOD release in Canada on 25June2024.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 93/100.
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