Scotland are out of the Women’s World Cup after a twice-taken added-time penalty gave Argentina a dramatic draw.
The Scots needed to win and Kim Little turned in their opener with Jen Beattie and Erin Cuthbert netting from corners.
It was 3-2 after Milagros Menendez scored and a Florencia Bonsegundo shot went in via the bar and Lee Alexander.
A VAR-awarded spot-kick taken by Bonsegundo was saved by Alexander but she was off her line and, agonisingly, the striker scored second time around.
With 16 minutes to play, Shelley Kerr’s Scots were on course to be one of the four best third-placed sides going into Thursday’s final fixtures in Groups E and F but Argentina’s recovery consigned the Scots to bottom place in Group D.
And Scotland captain Rachel Corsie was unhappy that referee Hyang-ok Ri allowed an Argentina free-kick to be taken while substitute Fiona Brown was coming on, with another substitute, Sophie Howard, ultimately penalised for her challenge on Aldana Cometti.
For the third match running, Scotland conceded a penalty that cost them points.
Their opening two defeats by England and Japan had followed a similar pattern – two goals down including a spot-kick by half-time and a late rally producing a consolation goal.
The players and Kerr had spoken of the need to start the game on the front foot and that intent was clear as Cuthbert volleyed wide in the first minute.
Scotland’s play was less nervous than it had been in the first two games but they were dealt a real scare when Mariana Larroquette headed against the crossbar from Bonsegundo’s cross and Alexander had be alert to block Sole Jaimes’ shot in the aftermath.
The Scots’ response was brave, bold and ultimately rewarded. Cuthbert forced her way through the Argentina defence to shoot from the inside left channel and though Vanina Correa saved, Cuthbert had the presence of mind to turn the ball back for the outstretched foot of Little to touch
home her 54th international strike.
The goal had come at a good time, just as Argentina were growing into the game, and the second prevented Carlos Borrello’s side building any momentum at the start of the second period.
Caroline Weir’s initial delivery from a corner was poor but the ball was recycled and the Manchester City midfielder floated the ball perfectly on to the head of Arsenal-bound Beattie, who found the net for a 23rd time on Scotland duty.
