Memorable moment: Chastain's celebration - FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
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As the world of football counts down to the reveal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ official emblem and slogan – in Paris on 19 September – we are counting down the 10 Most Memorable Moments in FIFA Women’s World Cup history.
The background
As hosts in 1999, USA were eager to add a second world title to their name after falling short and finishing third at Sweden 1995. Their final against China PR in front of 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California went down to the wire as neither team were able to score after a gruelling 120 minutes of play. The winner had to be determined on penalties. Step forward Brandi Chastain.
Why so special?
When Chastain's left-footed effort whizzed past China keeper Gao Hong and into the top corner, she immediately removed her jersey and dropped to her knees, looking up to the heavens in jubilation. Everything about the moment illustrates the deep emotions that a World Cup-winning goal can bring out in an individual. Winning the World Cup on home soil inspired many young girls and women across the USA to play football, and Chastain's celebration is the iconic moment they can all look back on and say, 'I remember where I was when that happened'.
What she said
"I can’t imagine what my life would be without it. The first month or two after, I don’t think I slept very much. Knowing that the photograph is the gateway to something that lived in anonymity for so long, women’s soccer specifically, and the fact that it was kind of the window to people seeing soccer maybe for the first time, I’m proud of that."
Press play to relive Chastain's goal, and click here for more on this unforgettable moment.