The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup A Landmark Event in Women’s Soccer

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup A Landmark Event in Women’s Soccer

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in the United States from June 19 to July 10, was a groundbreaking event that significantly advanced women’s soccer worldwide. It was the third edition of the Women’s World Cup and became a defining moment in the history of the sport, both for its record-breaking attendance and the lasting legacy it created for women’s sports.

Background and Preparation

The United States, having hosted the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991, was once again chosen to host the tournament. This decision was met with great enthusiasm and provided an opportunity for the United States to build upon the successes of 1991 and further promote women’s soccer. The organizers, led by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), aimed to create a tournament that would captivate audiences and elevate the status of women’s sports.

In preparation for the event, extensive marketing campaigns were launched, and significant efforts were made to ensure high-quality facilities and accommodations for the teams and spectators. The tournament was set to be played in eight cities across the United States: Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; San Jose, California; Landover, Maryland; Orlando, Florida; Pasadena, California; and New York City, New York. These cities were selected for their strong soccer communities and their capacity to host large crowds.

Format and Teams

Sure, here is a table that outlines the scheduled matches, teams, and scores for the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup:

Stage	Date	Venue	Teams	Score
Group A	19 June 1999	Giants Stadium, NJ	United States vs. Denmark	3-0
Group A	20 June 1999	Foxboro Stadium, MA	Nigeria vs. North Korea	2-1
Group A	24 June 1999	Soldier Field, IL	United States vs. Nigeria	7-1
Group A	24 June 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	Denmark vs. North Korea	3-1
Group A	27 June 1999	Foxboro Stadium, MA	United States vs. North Korea	3-0
Group A	27 June 1999	Soldier Field, IL	Denmark vs. Nigeria	2-0
Group B	19 June 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	Brazil vs. Mexico	7-1
Group B	20 June 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	Germany vs. Italy	1-1
Group B	23 June 1999	RFK Stadium, DC	Brazil vs. Italy	2-0
Group B	24 June 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	Germany vs. Mexico	6-0
Group B	27 June 1999	RFK Stadium, DC	Germany vs. Brazil	3-3
Group B	27 June 1999	Foxboro Stadium, MA	Italy vs. Mexico	2-0
Group C	19 June 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	China PR vs. Sweden	2-1
Group C	20 June 1999	Spartan Stadium, CA	Ghana vs. Australia	1-1
Group C	23 June 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	China PR vs. Ghana	7-0
Group C	24 June 1999	Spartan Stadium, CA	Sweden vs. Australia	3-1
Group C	27 June 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	China PR vs. Australia	3-1
Group C	27 June 1999	Soldier Field, IL	Sweden vs. Ghana	2-0
Group D	19 June 1999	Spartan Stadium, CA	Norway vs. Russia	2-1
Group D	20 June 1999	RFK Stadium, DC	Canada vs. Japan	1-1
Group D	23 June 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	Norway vs. Canada	7-1
Group D	24 June 1999	RFK Stadium, DC	Japan vs. Russia	0-1
Group D	27 June 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	Norway vs. Japan	4-0
Group D	27 June 1999	Spartan Stadium, CA	Canada vs. Russia	1-4
Quarterfinal	1 July 1999	Jack Kent Cooke Stadium, MD	United States vs. Germany	3-2
Quarterfinal	1 July 1999	Spartan Stadium, CA	Brazil vs. Nigeria	4-3 (AET)
Quarterfinal	1 July 1999	Foxboro Stadium, MA	China PR vs. Russia	2-0
Quarterfinal	2 July 1999	Civic Stadium, OR	Norway vs. Sweden	3-1
Semifinal	4 July 1999	Stanford Stadium, CA	United States vs. Brazil	2-0
Semifinal	4 July 1999	Foxboro Stadium, MA	China PR vs. Norway	5-0
Third Place	10 July 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	Brazil vs. Norway	0-2
Final	10 July 1999	Rose Bowl, CA	United States vs. China PR	0-0 (5-4 pen)

This table captures the journey of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighting the key matches, teams involved, and the outcomes that led to the historic final where the United States emerged victorious.

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four. The top two teams from each group would advance to the knockout stage, which included the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final. The participating teams represented a diverse range of countries, showcasing the global reach of women’s soccer.

The teams that qualified for the tournament were:

• Group A: United States, Denmark, Nigeria, North Korea
• Group B: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico
• Group C: China PR, Australia, Ghana, Sweden
• Group D: Norway, Canada, Japan, Russia

Each team brought its unique style and strengths, making for a highly competitive tournament.

Group Stage Highlights

The group stage matches were filled with excitement and dramatic moments, setting the tone for the rest of the tournament.

Group A: The United States, the host nation, emerged as the dominant force in Group A, winning all their matches. They opened the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Denmark, followed by a 7-1 thrashing of Nigeria, and concluded the group stage with a 3-0 win over North Korea. The U.S. team’s performance was a testament to their preparation and the talent of their squad, which included star players like Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Brandi Chastain.

Group B: Brazil topped Group B with a perfect record, showcasing their flair and attacking prowess. They defeated Mexico 7-1, followed by a 3-0 victory over Italy and a 3-3 draw against Germany. Germany also advanced to the knockout stage with two wins and a draw, demonstrating their tactical discipline and resilience.

Group C: China PR dominated Group C, winning all their matches and displaying their technical skill and teamwork. They defeated Sweden 2-1, followed by a 7-0 rout of Ghana, and a 3-1 victory over Australia. Sweden also progressed to the quarterfinals, finishing second in the group.

Group D: Defending champions Norway showcased their strength and experience by winning all their group matches. They defeated Russia 2-1, Canada 7-1, and Japan 4-0. Russia, despite losing to Norway, managed to secure the second spot in the group, advancing to the knockout stage.

Knockout Stage and Key Matches

The knockout stage began with the quarterfinals, where the intensity and stakes were heightened.

Quarterfinals: The quarterfinals saw some thrilling encounters. The United States faced Germany in a tightly contested match. The U.S. team emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, thanks to goals from Tiffeny Milbrett, Brandi Chastain, and an own goal by a German defender. Brazil continued their impressive run by defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a dramatic match that went into extra time. China PR comfortably beat Russia 2-0, while Norway edged past Sweden with a 3-1 victory.

Semifinals: The semifinals featured two highly anticipated matches. The United States took on Brazil in a match that showcased the skill and determination of both teams. The U.S. team secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Cindy Parlow and Tiffeny Milbrett, earning their place in the final. China PR faced Norway in the other semifinal, winning 5-0 and setting up a thrilling final against the host nation.

The Final: United States vs. China PR

The final, held on July 10, 1999, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, was a historic event that drew a record-breaking crowd of 90,185 spectators. It was the largest attendance for a women’s sports event at that time and remains one of the most iconic moments in women’s soccer history.

The match itself was a tense and hard-fought battle, with both teams showcasing their tactical prowess and resilience. Despite numerous attempts, neither team managed to score during regular time or extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.

The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair. The United States won the shootout 5-4, with Brandi Chastain scoring the decisive penalty. Her celebration, in which she removed her jersey and waved it overhead, became an iconic image and a symbol of the triumph and joy of women’s sports.

Legacy and Impact

The 1999 Women’s World Cup had a profound impact on women’s soccer and sports in general. The tournament’s success demonstrated the growing popularity and commercial viability of women’s sports. It helped to inspire a new generation of female athletes and garnered increased media attention and sponsorship for women’s soccer.

The U.S. team’s victory also had a lasting impact on the development of soccer in the United States. It contributed to the establishment of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the first professional women’s soccer league in the United States, which began play in 2001. The success of the 1999 Women’s World Cup also paved the way for future investments in women’s sports infrastructure and programs.

Moreover, the tournament highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports and played a role in challenging traditional gender norms. It showcased the athleticism, skill, and competitiveness of female athletes, helping to shift perceptions and attitudes towards women’s sports.

See Also: The 1995 FIFA Women World Cup A Landmark in Women’s Football

Conclusion

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup was a landmark event that elevated women’s soccer to new heights. The tournament’s success, both on and off the field, demonstrated the potential and appeal of women’s sports to a global audience. It left an indelible mark on the history of soccer and played a crucial role in advancing the cause of gender equality in sports. The legacy of the 1999 Women’s World Cup continues to inspire and influence the growth and development of women’s soccer around the world.

FAQs about the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup

1. When and where was the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup held?

• The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in the United States from June 19 to July 10, 1999.

2. How many teams participated in the 1999 Women’s World Cup?

• A total of 16 teams participated in the tournament.

3. Which teams were in Group A?

• Group A consisted of the United States, Denmark, Nigeria, and North Korea.

4. Who won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup?

• The United States won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

5. What was the final match score between the United States and China PR?

• The final match ended in a 0-0 draw, with the United States winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout.

6. How many goals were scored by the United States in the group stage?

• The United States scored a total of 13 goals in the group stage (3 against Denmark, 7 against Nigeria, and 3 against North Korea).

7. Which player scored the decisive penalty in the final?

• Brandi Chastain scored the decisive penalty in the final against China PR.

8. What was significant about the attendance at the final match?

• The final match drew a record-breaking crowd of 90,185 spectators, the largest attendance for a women’s sports event at that time.

9. Which team scored the most goals in a single group stage match?

• China PR scored the most goals in a single group stage match, defeating Ghana 7-0.

10. How did Brazil perform in the tournament?

• Brazil performed well, winning their group, advancing to the semifinals, and ultimately finishing in fourth place after losing to Norway in the third-place match.

11. What were some key highlights of the knockout stage?

• Key highlights included the United States’ 3-2 win over Germany in the quarterfinals, Brazil’s dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Nigeria, and China PR’s 5-0 win over Norway in the semifinals.

12. How did Norway perform in the tournament?

• Norway, the defending champions, reached the semifinals but lost to China PR. They then secured third place by defeating Brazil 2-0.

13. What impact did the 1999 Women’s World Cup have on women’s soccer?

• The 1999 Women’s World Cup significantly advanced women’s soccer, increasing its popularity and commercial viability, inspiring a new generation of female athletes, and contributing to the establishment of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA).

14. What was Brandi Chastain’s iconic celebration in the final?

• After scoring the decisive penalty, Brandi Chastain removed her jersey and waved it overhead, a celebration that became an iconic image of the triumph and joy of women’s sports.

15. Which teams from Group B advanced to the knockout stage?

• Brazil and Germany advanced to the knockout stage from Group B.

16. Which country hosted the Women’s World Cup for the second time in 1999?

• The United States hosted the Women’s World Cup for the second time in 1999, having previously hosted the inaugural tournament in 1991.

17. What were the eight host cities for the tournament?

• The eight host cities were Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; San Jose, California; Landover, Maryland; Orlando, Florida; Pasadena, California; and New York City, New York.

18. How did the 1999 Women’s World Cup contribute to gender equality in sports?

• The tournament showcased the athleticism and competitiveness of female athletes, challenged traditional gender norms, and played a role in shifting perceptions and attitudes towards women’s sports.

19. What was the significance of the 1999 Women’s World Cup for the development of soccer in the United States?

• The success of the 1999 Women’s World Cup contributed to the growth of soccer in the United States, led to the establishment of the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), and encouraged further investments in women’s sports infrastructure and programs.

20. How did China PR perform in the tournament?

• China PR performed exceptionally well, winning all their group stage matches, defeating Russia in the quarterfinals, Norway in the semifinals, and finishing as the runners-up after losing to the United States in the final penalty shootout.