1971 — LEVEL THE FIELD

In 1971, an English side had just competed for the first time in a World Cup and returned to find one national title telling its readers: 'Don't laugh — one day there may be a female Arsenal.'

It was short lived, but for three memorable weeks in the summer of 1971, women's football flared brightly like a comet, before crashing back down to earth again. After the 1970 men's world cup in Mexico City, football fever was once again sweeping the host nation, but this time for an unofficial women's World Cup, organised by the Federation of Independent European Female Football (FIEFF). There had been a similar tournament the year before, in Italy, which saw Denmark claim the title. However, due to its scale and legacy, Mexico’s 1971 Women’s World Cup is regarded as the first major Women’s World Cup.

‘Mexico '71 was a success because the organisers did not assume it would be a commercial or sporting failure. It was sold and promoted as a football tournament, one that just happened to feature women.’

— Jean Williams, Hidden Histories of Women's Football

A spectacular interest in the tournament grew, as it was publicised all over the media, with mascots created, banners printed and merchandise sold. The players were treated as sports superstars: for them, this was a life-changing moment, as they were used to playing to no crowds and no interest. Mexico City buzzed with excitement for the tournament, and the conditions were created for an impressive, record-breaking, mass-event.

TOURNAMENT

‘We saw all these flashes on the tarmac. My teammate Chris Lockwood went “Gosh, there must be somebody famous on this plane.” We just piled off and walked down, and it was only then that we realised the cameras were there for us.’

— Carol Wilson, England

Group Stages

The group stage saw as Mexico, Denmark, and Italy emerged as dominant forces and advanced to the knockout phase. The host nation, buoyed by passionate home support, captured the imagination of fans with decisive victories, while Denmark, the reigning champions, displayed their experience and firepower. Italy's tactical discipline ensured their progression.

GROUP A

Pts

1 MEX

2 ARG

3 ENG

-7

GROUP B

Pts

1 DEN

2 ITA

3 FRA

-4

Knockout

Italy had overcome Mexico in 2-1 at the semi-final stage the previous year and fielded what many believed to be the best female player in the world at the time, Elena Schiavo. It was no surprise when Italy took an early lead. Roared on by a crowd, reported in the ’Corriere dello Sport’ to be 90,000, Mexico fought back to earn two clear penalties, both converted by Patty Hernández, to lead 2-1 at half-time.

When French referee Frère disallowed two Italian goals, the visitors felt they had become the victims of a conspiracy. The Italians angrily confronted the referee. Schiavo told Mexican player Silvia Zaragoza to "keep out of my face or I'll smash your head in." As the recriminations flowed, players from both sides came to blows. Amidst the free-for-all, Frère blew for time ten minutes early, sealing the hosts’ place in the final.

On the other side, Denmark solidified their dominance, defeating Argentina with ease to claim their spot in the championship match. The stage was set for a thrilling final showdown between the hosts and what was then the best national team in the world.

THE FINAL

The final of the tournament, held in Mexico City, attracted an all-time women's record attendance of around 110,000 to the Estadio Azteca, exceeding the official world record of 91,648 set by FC Barcelona in April 2022. The Danish players remember how, ahead of the final, Mexican fans prevented them from sleeping, by making noise outside their team hotel in Mexico City. It took an intervention from their Embassy to temporarily re-house the players with Danish families in the city.

However, the host team had their own problems. With the prospect of playing at a sold-out stadium, the Mexican players believed they were due a fair cut from the revenue their success in the tournament had generated. As such, they refused to play if not compensated fairly, in a situation mirroring more recent campaigns for equal pay. Under pressure from the media and public to play for their country, the squad eventually backed down and decided to play the match "out of respect to the public.”

Under-prepared and emotionally drained, the Mexican players ultimately succumbed in the final. Denmark’s precision and experience shone through, as 15-year-old Susanne Augustesen’s hat-trick led her team to a commanding 3-0 victory over the spirited but fatigued Mexican side, securing Denmark’s second consecutive title in front of a record-breaking crowd of around 110,000 fans.

Winner

Score

Runner-up

NOR

3—0

MEX