The 5 Most Memorable Moments from the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final
Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the 1999 Women’s World Cup stole the headlines and made US women’s soccer players household names!? Whether you were a tween inspired by new heroes, or an adult inspired by new heroes… it was momentous, and probably has you feeling a little old today.
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The 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final, held on July 10, 1999, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, was an iconic moment in women’s soccer history not only because of the US triumph over China, but because of the cultural ripples created long beyond the final whistle.
The final set a record for the largest attendance at a women's sporting event at the time, with 90,185 spectators filling the Rose Bowl. This reflected the growing popularity and significance of women's soccer on a global scale.
Related: Hidden design features of the IDA 99er pack women's cleats
The match itself was intense and tightly contested, with both teams having opportunities to score during regular and extra time. The game eventually ended in a penalty shootout which only added to the lore of the tournament.
To celebrate, we not only released a Limited Edition 99er Pack, but we also ranked our top 5 most memorable moments from the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final.
5. Sun Wen's Performance
The final wasn’t all about the USWNT. China's Sun Wen was a standout player throughout the tournament and put in a top performance in the final as well. Her skill and determination were on full display and she ultimately won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. She remains China’s top goalscorer today.
4. Michelle Akers Injury
Everyone held their breath when Michelle Akers went down with a concussion and ultimately had to leave the final. Her injury was a pivotal moment, as she was a key player and veteran leader for the US team. Her absence shifted the dynamics of the game, as she’s known for hard hitting tackles, her aerial threat, as well as her passing abilities.
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3. Kristine Lilly Header off the Line
Kristine Lilly's heroic header off the goal line is etched in soccer history as a defining moment. During extra time with the score tied 0-0, China's Liu Ying launched a shot that seemed destined for the net, but Lilly's perfectly timed clearance denied China the lead. Her defensive heroics not only kept the United States' hopes alive but also energized her teammates and the crowd at the Rose Bowl.
2. Briana Scurry's Save
With the score tied 0-0 after extra time, the match came down to a penalty shootout where Scurry's crucial save against Liu Ying's kick turned the tide in favor of the United States. Scurry’s save to the right became posterized throughout the US as a pivotal moment in the US win. The save not only swung momentum in the U.S.'s favor but also set the stage for Brandi Chastain's iconic winning penalty kick moments later.
1. Brandi Chastain's Winning Penalty Kick
Speaking of Brandi… the celebration seen around the world and known for generations to come. As the fifth shooter in the penalty lineup, Brandi Chastain famously converted the winning penalty kick for the USWNT. Her celebration, where she ripped off her jersey and fell to her knees in celebration, became an iconic image in sports history. The sports bra has never been so iconic throughout pop culture!
Whether you were a fan of the famous 99ers or were inspired by more recent generations of USWNT teams, the Limited Edition 99er pack honors the legacy of an iconic US victory that changed the trajectory of women’s soccer in the US for generations to come.
Shop the Limited Edition 99er Pack IDA Rise Elite and IDA Spirit.
