1999: USA’s historic Women’s World Cup | CNN

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1999: USA’s historic Women’s World Cup

Published 7:57 AM EDT, Thu May 23, 2019
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The final Women's World Cup of the 20th century was held in the United States and proved to be a landmark tournament in the history of the women's game. The opening ceremony was held at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey, on June 19.
The final Women's World Cup of the 20th century was held in the United States and proved to be a landmark tournament in the history of the women's game. The opening ceremony was held at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey, on June 19.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The tournament was held in New York, San Jose, Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco.
The tournament was held in New York, San Jose, Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco.
MIKE NELSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
For three weeks, the best female footballers in the world showcased their talents. USA's Mia Hamm was undoubtedly one of the stars of the tournament and has since been selected by Pele as one of the top 100 greatest living footballers.
For three weeks, the best female footballers in the world showcased their talents. USA's Mia Hamm was undoubtedly one of the stars of the tournament and has since been selected by Pele as one of the top 100 greatest living footballers.
Al Bello/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
All 32 games were broadcast live on national television in the States and over 660,000 spectators watched the games in packed stadiums. In this picture, fans show their support for the U.S. as the team thrashes Denmark 3-0 at the Giants Stadium.
All 32 games were broadcast live on national television in the States and over 660,000 spectators watched the games in packed stadiums. In this picture, fans show their support for the U.S. as the team thrashes Denmark 3-0 at the Giants Stadium.
M. David Leeds/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Germany finished second in Group B behind Brazil. The teams drew 3-3 at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Germany finished second in Group B behind Brazil. The teams drew 3-3 at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
Thomas Kent-Cooke/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Canada's goalkeeper Nicci Wright at full stretch against Norway in Maryland, a group match Norway would win 7-1.
Canada's goalkeeper Nicci Wright at full stretch against Norway in Maryland, a group match Norway would win 7-1.
STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Lihong Zhao (6) of China and Sweden's Jane Tornqvist (3) battle for the ball in a tussle between the top two teams in Group D. China, the eventual finalists, would go on to win the match 2-1.
Lihong Zhao (6) of China and Sweden's Jane Tornqvist (3) battle for the ball in a tussle between the top two teams in Group D. China, the eventual finalists, would go on to win the match 2-1.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Norway would top Group C. Here the team prepares to slide on the turf in unison after a thumping 4-0 thumping of Japan on a rain-drenched Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Norway would top Group C. Here the team prepares to slide on the turf in unison after a thumping 4-0 thumping of Japan on a rain-drenched Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
JOHN ZICH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Australia's Julie Murray rushes her bench after scoring in the second half against Ghana. Australia drew 1-1 and finished third in Group D.
Australia's Julie Murray rushes her bench after scoring in the second half against Ghana. Australia drew 1-1 and finished third in Group D.
MARK JOHNSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
North Korea fans cheer before the team's match against the USA in Massachusetts. The visitors would fall to a 3-0 defeat and failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
North Korea fans cheer before the team's match against the USA in Massachusetts. The visitors would fall to a 3-0 defeat and failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
JOHN MOTTERN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
For younger readers, a camcorder is, according to the dictionary, a portable combined video camera and video recorder. USA co-captain Julie Foudy records her teammates at Stanford Stadium. Her footage would later feature in a documentary about the team.
For younger readers, a camcorder is, according to the dictionary, a portable combined video camera and video recorder. USA co-captain Julie Foudy records her teammates at Stanford Stadium. Her footage would later feature in a documentary about the team.
JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
China's goalkeeper Hong Gao celebrates after teammate Wei Pu scores China's first goal against Russia. China would go on to win the quarterfinal match 2-0.
China's goalkeeper Hong Gao celebrates after teammate Wei Pu scores China's first goal against Russia. China would go on to win the quarterfinal match 2-0.
MONICA DAVEY/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
One of the most exciting matches of the tournament was the quarterfinal tie between Brazil and Norway. The Brazilians let a 3-0 lead slip, but progressed thanks to a Sissi freekick in extra-time.
One of the most exciting matches of the tournament was the quarterfinal tie between Brazil and Norway. The Brazilians let a 3-0 lead slip, but progressed thanks to a Sissi freekick in extra-time.
TIM SLOAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
After a thrilling win, Brazilian fans danced and played the drums prior to the semi-final match against USA on July 4 at Stanford Stadium.
After a thrilling win, Brazilian fans danced and played the drums prior to the semi-final match against USA on July 4 at Stanford Stadium.
ANDY KUNO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Brazil was a much improved team, progressing from a so-called "Group of Death,' but fell 2-0 to USA in the semi-finals.
Brazil was a much improved team, progressing from a so-called "Group of Death,' but fell 2-0 to USA in the semi-finals.
MIKE NELSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Brazil played Norway in the third-place playoff. Sissi (pictured) would share the Golden Boot award with China's Sun Wen after both players finished the tournament with seven goals.
Brazil played Norway in the third-place playoff. Sissi (pictured) would share the Golden Boot award with China's Sun Wen after both players finished the tournament with seven goals.
Vincent Laforet/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Brazil's Formiga (R) is hugged by goalie Maravihla after her game-winning shootout goal during the third-place playoff at the Rose Bowl as Brazil defeated Norway 5-4 on penalty kicks.
Brazil's Formiga (R) is hugged by goalie Maravihla after her game-winning shootout goal during the third-place playoff at the Rose Bowl as Brazil defeated Norway 5-4 on penalty kicks.
MIKE FIALA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
At a packed stadium, Jennifer Lopez performs during the ceremony before the Rose Bowl final between the U.S and China.
At a packed stadium, Jennifer Lopez performs during the ceremony before the Rose Bowl final between the U.S and China.
Jed Jacobsohn/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
90,185 attend the final at Pasadena's Rose Bowl, still a record for a Women's World Cup match, and  an estimated 40 million viewers in the U.S. alone watched America win its second title.
90,185 attend the final at Pasadena's Rose Bowl, still a record for a Women's World Cup match, and an estimated 40 million viewers in the U.S. alone watched America win its second title.
HECTOR MATA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
In one of the most iconic images in sport, Brandi Chastain celebrates scoring the penalty that secured the title.
In one of the most iconic images in sport, Brandi Chastain celebrates scoring the penalty that secured the title.
HECTOR MATA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Joy Fawcett (14), Kate Sobrero (20) and Tisha  Venturini (15) celebrate  victory.
Joy Fawcett (14), Kate Sobrero (20) and Tisha Venturini (15) celebrate victory.
Elsa/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Captain Carla Overbeck (4) raises the World Cup trophy aloft, elevating women's football to another level in the country.
Captain Carla Overbeck (4) raises the World Cup trophy aloft, elevating women's football to another level in the country.
Harry How/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Mia Hamm (9) is embraced by Shannon MacMillan (8) as teammates Joy Fawcett, Kate Sobrero, Carla Overbeck and Sara Whalen celebrate victory. Carla Overbeck, Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Hamm all converted their spot-kicks.
Mia Hamm (9) is embraced by Shannon MacMillan (8) as teammates Joy Fawcett, Kate Sobrero, Carla Overbeck and Sara Whalen celebrate victory. Carla Overbeck, Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Hamm all converted their spot-kicks.
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Before a packed and jubilant stadium, the U.S team received their gold medals.
Before a packed and jubilant stadium, the U.S team received their gold medals.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry thanks supporters who gathered at a fan rally on July 11 at the convention center in Los Angeles, California.
U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry thanks supporters who gathered at a fan rally on July 11 at the convention center in Los Angeles, California.
Scott Nelson/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The World Cup winners were welcomed to the White House. Brandi Chastain gives President Clinton a team jersey at the White House in Washington, D.C.
The World Cup winners were welcomed to the White House. Brandi Chastain gives President Clinton a team jersey at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Vincent Laforet/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

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