The new documentary Copa 71 starts off with co-director Rachel Ramsay having a conversation with soccer legend Brandi Chastain about the first Women’s World Cup. Ramsay asks Chastain about the year of the event, to which Chastain confidently responds, “1991.” Ramsay then shows Chastain grainy footage of a packed stadium and asks if it is a men’s football match. Surprisingly, Chastain realizes that the players on the pitch are women and is both happy and infuriated that she didn’t know about this historic event that took place in 1971. This interaction sets the tone for the rest of the documentary, which aims to shed light on a forgotten chapter in women’s soccer history.
Copa 71 is not your typical documentary filled with gimmicks or staged reenactments. Instead, it relies on the simplicity of its footage and interviews to convey its message. The filmmakers have managed to gather extensive interviews from many of the star players from the six competing countries – Denmark, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, France, and England – providing a unique perspective on their experiences and challenges.
The documentary reveals that women’s soccer was not widely accepted at the time, and in some countries, there was a social stigma attached to women participating in the sport. All-female leagues were explicitly forbidden in others. Despite these obstacles, the players share beautiful and inspiring stories of their determination and love for the game. For instance, England’s Carol Wilson had joined the air force to play in coed leagues, while Mexico’s Elvira Aracen reminisces about playing on hard dirt fields while the men played on grass. These stories highlight the barriers that these women broke down to pursue their passion.
What makes Copa 71 truly captivating is the vibrant memories shared by the players about their time at the 1971 Women’s World Cup. The documentary skillfully uses playful period needle drops and cross-cutting to transport viewers back to that time. The joy and pride these women felt in breaking down barriers and representing their countries on the international stage are evident in their recollections. The love they received from the crowds, the intense rivalries with other players, and the overwhelming attention from the Mexican media – all these details create a vivid picture of their experience.
In addition to the interviews, Copa 71 boasts rarely seen footage from the World Cup, some of which hadn’t been viewed for 50 years. The games were televised in full color, showcasing the athleticism, aggressiveness, and grace displayed by the players. The documentary manages to create a beautiful juxtaposition between the present-day interviews with these women, most of them in their 60s and 70s, and the vibrant stars they were back then. The emotion that emanates from their eyes as they discuss every goal, penalty, and momentum swing is truly touching.
However, Copa 71 does have certain limitations. One notable drawback is the absence of any institutional voices or perspectives, leaving historian David Goldblatt as the sole source to fill in the gaps regarding FIFA’s role and the marginalization of women’s soccer history. While Goldblatt provides valuable insights, his contribution lacks the vitality and personal touch that the player interviews bring.
Additionally, the documentary does not address the absence of American participation in the event. While sexism may be a factor in Morgan and Chastain’s lack of knowledge about the 1971 Women’s World Cup, it is also important to acknowledge that the absence of American involvement may have played a role. The filmmakers could have briefly addressed this aspect to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the event.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Copa 71 remains a potent and focused documentary that highlights a forgotten chapter in sports history. By giving these pioneering women a well-deserved spotlight, the film exposes the often overlooked contributions of female athletes in soccer. It serves as an uplifting and eye-opening love letter to these trailblazers, reminding us of the immense challenges they faced and the impact they made. Copa 71 is a must-watch for any soccer fan or anyone interested in uncovering hidden stories of resilience and determination.
