Copa 71

A documentary about the 1971 football world cup held in Mexico, the second ever women’s world cup. Despite the final having an attendance of at least 110,000 people, FIFA did not recognise the tournament and did not hold its own one until 20 years later.

This is a well made documentary that covers an interesting period in history - one where women’s football was only just starting to become allowed again by various football associations. In 1920s England the sport was huge, but was subject to a sudden ban which lasted until 1970.

So the people we hear from (and there are more than enough key players in the film to make it well-rounded) really were at the beginning of a new movement.

Maybe some more context around the tournament’s popularity would have been nice. How did the tournament get so much buzz in Mexico? Who was pushing it? How was it all funded?

But the focus instead is on the players, which is obviously no bad thing. It’s short but insightful, and a reminder of how far we’ve come but also how far is still to go.