Despite a 2-1 loss against Japan on Friday, Scotland were hoping the momentum from their first ever World Cup goal, from substitute Lana Clelland, could drive them to push forward against Argentina.

The 88’ minute brace against Japan came after the Scottish striker capitalized on a defensive error from the opposition, leaving her with ample open space to curl the ball beautifully into the net.

Clelland’s effort against Japan didn’t land her in a place in the starting line-up against Argentina, but the Scots scored plenty of goals.

After 19 minutes Little opened the scoring for Scotland after a great passing build up, she was knocked the ball in the 6 yard box and drove it home.

The next goal came in the second half, as a confident looking Scotland upped their chances of getting through to the final 16 of the competition, after a brilliant header by Beattie.

To make it three, Cuthbert hit a rebound while standing open in the six yard box, cementing a 3-0 lead, and what the Scots thought would be their place in the next round.

While the Argentinian side had their goalkeeper Vanina Correa to thank for the 1-0 scoreline against a strong England squad last week, she put in a weaker performance against Scotland.

It was on 74 minutes when Argentina started to dim Scotland’s chances, pulling a goal back to make it 3-1. Substitute Menedez caught Scotland snoozing, and punished them after being played the ball in the box, by sliding the ball between the legs of goalie Alexander.

Just minutes after the South American team’s first goal, came a second. A long range effort from Bonsegundo, who was gifted possession from the opposition, hit the crossbar and bounced into the goal just over the line.

The match: decoded

The game was a tale of two halves for the Scots, who in the first looked confident and allowed their creative players to be open and connect for link up play. Their initial goal saw them take the lead for the first time in the World Cup, but it wasn’t enough for them to win.

Although disappointing for Scotland, it’s worth remembering three years ago the Argentine Football Association removed all funding from the team after they failed to qualify for the 2015 World Cup. So this will be a great result for them.

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