Memorable moment: Sissi's golden goal - 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
Brazil faced Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup USA 1999™. The South Americans romped into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 35 minutes, but Nigeria roared back and eventually equalised in the 85th minute, forcing extra time. Then, in the 105th minute, the Brazilians won a free-kick in a dangerous position just beyond the edge of the box, to the left of goal. Sissi stepped up… and curled the ball into the top corner.
Why so special?
The Brazil No10's wonder strike was well worthy of deciding any game, as it did as the first golden goal in women's football history (at that time, a rule was in place whereby the first goal in extra time would end the match). Moreover, it was her seventh goal of the tournament and earned her a share of the adidas Golden Boot award – an achievement made even more impressive by the fact that she was a playmaker, not a forward, and had gone into the competition carrying an injury.
What she said
"I still find it difficult not to get emotional when I see that goal. That game undoubtedly changed my life. I went nuts during that run [when she wheeled away in celebration]. I'd been feeling the pressure to show the Brazilian people that we ladies had what it takes to play football. At that moment, I shouted to tell everybody that we were there, that our work deserved to be respected, to make them recognise our abilities. I couldn't sleep afterwards because my adrenaline was pumping. That was one of the most important goals of my life."
Press play to relive Sissi's goal, and click here for more on this unforgettable moment