It's almost impossible to forget the image of Brandi Chastain removing her jersey and celebrating after the Team USA captured the 1999 Women's World Cup with a 5-4 victory over China. In case anybody forgot about the pivotal day in U.S. women's soccer, ESPN teamed up with the 1999 team captain, Julie Foudy, to relive the magical run and excitement Team USA and fans everywhere were delighted.
Check out these thoughts and praises fans gave the documentary as many wondered when they would get a chance to see it again.
ESPN put this on repeat! The people want it.
Overall, "The 99ers" provided nostalgia. Some, who witnessed the moment live, want to show their children the film. Mothers want to show their daughters a historical moment in women's sports in America.
1999 brought the World Cup to the USA for the first time. Team USA had won the first ever Women's World Cup back in 1991, but then finished in third place in the following tournament in 1995. USA hosted the 1999 World Cup and was the first team to claim the championship in its own turf. Beyond USA's success in the tournament, the 1999 Women's World Cup, as FIFA has it written, "Launched the beginning of a new era of success for women's football and was a milestone in the history of women's sports."
It's a coincidence that the USA happened to be the team to take the trophy. In the words of Foudy, who produced the documentary, "Are we pioneers or was 1999 just an anomaly?" After 1999, Women's World Cup was relevant, not just in the USA, but all over the globe. It was a turning point for the sport and Team USA Women's soccer.
Where can you watch the film? Maybe Netflix in a couple of months? After checking through the TV Guide listings, "The 99ers" didn't show up in the schedule. Maybe they will reair it later in the week, but for now, those who missed it will have to settle for YouTube clips. Here's the preview of the documentary.
