1999 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP USA
The first Women's World Cup kicked off in
China to large and enthusiastic crowds. The American team, led by a
dominating forward line dubbed "The Triple-Edged Sword" by the
Chinese media, tore through the tournament to win the first ever world
championship for women's soccer.
In GROUP A, Norway rebounded from a stunning 4-0 loss to host China in its opening match to advance all the way to the Women's World Cup Final, sneaking past Italy in overtime of the quarterfinals before crushing Sweden in the semifinals, 4-1, on two goals by Linda Medalen. China had the opposite fortune, drawing Denmark, 2-2, in group play before going out in the quarterfinals to Sweden, 1-0, in one of the most disappointing results in their history.
GROUP B was dominated by the United States and the forward line of Michelle Akers, Carin Jennings and captain April Heinrichs. The USA built a 3-0 lead over Sweden before holding on for the 3-2 victory to open group play. A 5-0 victory over Brazil and a 3-0 win over Japan set the stage for a dominating series of results in the knockout rounds. The Americans crushed Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals, 7-0, on five goals from Akers, before Jennings' hat trick dispatched Germany in the semifinals, 5-3.
Sweden picked up two wins in GROUP B play and defeated China in the quarterfinals for a historic win on a 3rd-minute goal from Pia Sundhage, but got steam-rolled by Norway in the semifinals.
In GROUP C, Germany routed Nigeria, 4-0, then defeated Chinese Taipei, 3-0. The Germans then defeated Italy, 2-0 to earn first place in the Group. It took Germany overtime to defeat Denmark in the quarterfinals, before falling to the "Triple-Edged Sword" in the semifinals.
In the Women's World Cup Final, in front of 65,000 fans at Guangzhou's Tianhe Stadium, Akers scored both U.S. goals, the winning score coming in the waning minutes, as the Americans claimed the first ever Women's World Cup title over Norway, 2-1.
1999 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP USA
