1999 Women's World Cup

There's something special about today...today marks the 10 year Anniversary of one of the greatest female sporting events win ever in front of one of the biggest crowds, the Women's World Cup! On July 10, 1999 the US Women's National Soccer team were set to take on China in the finals set in The Rose Bowl in front of 90,000 fans and millions on t.v. Many people may only remember it for Brandi Chastain's penalty kick victory celebration, but it was also a momentous moment for women's soccer and in particular the US Women's National Soccer Team. I remember that day so clearly I 11 years old sitting in the dining room and glued to the television. I will admit, at that time I was a newcomer to the team and had only seen a few games on ESPN prior to the tournament. During that time Brandi Chastain was my favorite player along with Shannon MacMillan. I remember sitting anxiously awaiting the PK's after a full 120 minutes went by. I cheered after Carla Overbeck made her shot, then Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lilly, Mia Hamm, and then finally Brandi Chastain. I specifically remember after Brandi made her PK I ran into the kitchen and screamed to my mom:
"Mom we won!!! Brandi went up for a penalty kick and then she took her jersey off!" hahaha. It was a great moment and one that definitely left a mark in my memory.

There were so many other moments from the whole tournament that I won't forget. It's the little things that maybe some people don't remember. Like Brandi's own goal...then coming back in the 2nd to tie up a game against Germany. Then the goal by Joy Fawcett from a Shannon MacMillan corner which won a bet against Kate Markgraf (Sobrero) which caused her hair to be dyed Red. Or Tisha Venturini's backflip goal celebration. Even in the finals Lil's header that took a chance away from the Chinese as well as Bri's save during one of China's pk shots. All of it was just a pure show of soccer and women's soccer for that matter. What can I say? Each one of those players created history and put women's soccer on the map. It's a shame they didn't get the same response/respect in 1991. This '99 team I will never forget, and although the teams and newcomers to play for the US are just as amazing, the team itself will never be the same than that 1999 Women's World Cup Champion team.

Happy WWC'99 Anniversay soccer fans!!!





Just a side note: I think they should replay the World Cup today just because it has been 10 years...c'mon! haha Ah I miss this team :)