Remembering the ’99ers Incredible World Cup Run

March 1, 2022
By Rachel Gonzalez

We are officially celebrating women’s history month, and for a soccerista, there is no tournament more historically exceptional than the 1999 Women’s World Cup. So let’s take a look back on the USWNT’s famous rise to the gold.

The 1999 Women’s World Cup was just the third time the tournament was held, and it was a year that changed everything. This tournament fielded 16 teams, four more than the time before. Additionally, it had an entirely female referee staff.

The USWNT was fresh off of their 1996 Olympic gold win and had a lineup of legends. Michelle Akers, Brianna Scurry, Julie Foudy, Christie Rampone, Kristine Lilly, and, of course, Mia Hamm all put their best feet forward on the field.

This team has some of the most notable names in women’s soccer history. This was the dream team some of the current USWNT icons always aspired to—they are the archetype for women’s soccer in the U.S.

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The USWNT found themselves in the finals after five hard-fought victories. The 1999 Women’s World Cup was a tournament brimming with tension and magical moments. The entire world watched our girls, waiting to see what they would do.

And they did not disappoint. In the knockout phase alone, the U.S. beat their way back to a 3-2 win over Germany with a stunning come-from-behind performance.

A truly captivating 2-0 semi-final victory over Brazil sent them straight to the finals against China.

The 1999 Women’s World Cup saw so many iconic moments in sports history, but maybe none more memorable than the shootout between China and the U.S. to determine the champion.

After over 120 minutes of play, the two juggernauts went shot for shot in P.K.s. Brianna Scurry had made one crucial save by the time the U.S. had their last shot on goal–their last chance to finish on top.

Then, Brandi Chastain stepped up to the line. And she sealed the deal for her team with one well-placed ball to the top right corner. Chastain then tore her shirt off in celebration, as if a game-winning goal wasn’t enough history to be made.

The moment resulted in probably the most famous photo in all of women’s soccer; it’s now immortalized as a statue in front of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

This tournament was absolutely star-studded and will be remembered forever. It was moment after moment of sports history and highlights.

Without the 1999 U.S. Women’s National Team, women’s soccer would look completely different than it does today. During Women’s History Month, let’s all take the time to be grateful for the great women who came before us.

Featured Image: HECTOR MATA/AFP via Getty Images