CAROLINE WEIR has suffered World Cup heartbreak after Scotland exited the tournament in controversial circumstances last night (Wednesday).

The Dunfermline-born midfielder and her team-mates had given themselves a golden chance to reach the last 16 by establishing a 3-0 lead against Argentina in their final group game in Paris.

After defeats to England and Japan, a win was imperative for Shelley Kerr's side to finish third in Group D and give themselves a chance of progressing as one of the best placed third-place sides.

But, after conceding twice to the South Americans within five minutes as the game moved into its final stages, Sophie Howard was penalised - after a VAR check - by referee Hyang-Ok Ri for a foul on Aldana Cometti inside the box.

However, in the build-up to the penalty award, an Argentina free-kick was allowed to be taken while Fiona Brown was coming on as a substitute for the Scots, whose sense of injustice was to increase further.

Although goalkeeper Lee Alexander stopped Florencia Bonsegundo's kick, another VAR review deemed that she had moved off her line, which then resulted in a retake.

Bonsegundo scored second time around and, although the spot-kick was initially awarded in the 86th minute, the retaken effort took place in the 94th.

Four additional minutes had been indiciated but, almost immediately, the game was over and Scotland were on their way home.

It was a tough way to exit the competition for Weir, who won her 65th cap in the Parc de Princes, in what was their maiden World Cup.

After losing 2-1 to both tournament favourites England, and 2011 winners Japan, the Scots knew they had to beat Argentina and opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Kim Little.

Weir almost doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time with a fine effort that ended not too far off target but, four minutes after the break, she was at the heart of Scotland's second.

The Manchester City star's magnificent cross from the right picked out Jen Beattie in the six-yard box to gleefully power a header beyond Vanina Correa.

The possibility of become the first Scottish side to advance from the group phase at a major tournament increased even further with just over 20 minutes to go when they scored again.

Another Weir delivery, this time from a corner, was headed onto the post by Leanne Crichton but the rebound fell perfectly for Erin Cuthbert to smash home.

But, after Daliila Ippolito played in Milagros Menendez to score for Argentina five minutes later, things began to go horribly wrong for Scotland.

Bonsegundo grabbed a second goal when her shot from distance, although pushed onto the bar by Alexander, crept over the line to set-up a dramatic conclusion that sent the Scots out.