Chile Secure First-Ever Women’s World Cup Qualification While Inspiring A Nation

Last weekend, Brazil secured their seventh Copa America Femenina title and direct qualification to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup after winning all seven of their matches while scoring 31 goals and conceding only two. This wasn’t a surprise, but a real feel-good story surrounds the second-place finishers at the competition, hosts Chile.

By finishing second, Chile secured the other direct qualification spot up for grabs, meaning Las Chicas de Rojo will compete in their first-ever World Cup come 2019. The nation’s brilliant play condemned Argentina to third place and an eventual playoff against a CONCACAF nation while Colombia, who advanced to the Round of 16 back in 2015, have been bounced entirely.

With large crowds cheering them on and every match broadcast live on television, the event was a massive success for Chile and the growth of the women’s game in the country. 

Huge crowds cheered on Chile throughout the Copa. Photo: @FIFAWWC | Twitter

“The Copa has shown there is massive audience interest,” said Camila Garcia, a FIFPro board member and founding member of Anjuff, the Chilean players union. “Now, thanks to La Roja everyone looks at the women’s game differently. They deserve not to be stereotyped and more attention paid to their talent.”

Chile finished the tournament with only one defeat from seven matches, that coming at the hands of Brazil — although they did manage to score an absolute wonder goal in that game. 

The side also managed to score 13 goals with Yanara Aedo, who plays for the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, leading the way with five. 

Here are the highlights of Chile’s historic march to their first-ever World Cup finals. 

The runners-up finish also puts Chile in a playoff with an African nation for a spot at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.