Scotland’s World Cup dreams end in controversy after twice taken penalty

Scotland’s Word Cup dreams ended in controversial
circumstances in Paris last night.

The team need a victory to have any chance of progressing to
the group stages and looked on course to become the first ever Scottish to do
so.

Goals by Kim Little, Jen Beattie and Erin Cuthbert looked to
have secured qualification as with only 16 minutes left and leading 3-0, they
were on course to be one of the four best third-placed sides before Milagros
Menendez got one back for Argentina.

Five minutes later it Florencia Bonsegundo shot went in via
crossbar and Lee Alexander’s hand ensuring a nervous end to the game for the
Scots.

In the closing minutes referee Hyang-ok Ri allowed an
Argentina free-kick to be taken while substitute Fiona Brown was coming onto
the pitch then awarded a penalty after Sophie Howard’s trip on Aldana Cometti
was reviewed by the video assistant referee.

Alexander saved the spot kick but was adjudged to have left
her line before the kick was taken and Bonsegundo scored with her second
attempt.

Despite a lengthy delay before the kick was awarded, the
referee only added on five minutes and there was confusion when she blew for
time up.

After the game an emotional Shelley Kerr said: I’m gutted
for the players, gutted for the support but the officiating was really, really
poor.

“For 70 minutes we played well. The bottom line is we
have conceded three goals but the first goal is from a free-kick, that changes
the whole complexion of the game.

“Some of the decisions were appalling to say the least.
It doesn’t take away the fact we were comfortable in the game and conceded
three goals but there is a ball on the pitch, we try and make a substitution
and it’s just an absolute farce.

“People will argue you can’t concede three goals but it
does put you under pressure when you concede one.

“We didn’t deal with the ball around the edge of the
box with the second one and obviously the third is a penalty.

“I can’t really say any more about the decisions. We
have been a victim of them every game. We still have to do better and see the
game out but right now it’s a bit raw.”