
The final Women's World Cup of the 20th century was held in the United States and proved to be a landmark tournament in the history of the women's game. The opening ceremony was held at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey, on June 19.

The tournament was held in New York, San Jose, Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco.

For three weeks, the best female footballers in the world showcased their talents. USA's Mia Hamm was undoubtedly one of the stars of the tournament and has since been selected by Pele as one of the top 100 greatest living footballers.

All 32 games were broadcast live on national television in the States and over 660,000 spectators watched the games in packed stadiums. In this picture, fans show their support for the U.S. as the team thrashes Denmark 3-0 at the Giants Stadium.

Germany finished second in Group B behind Brazil. The teams drew 3-3 at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Landover, Maryland.

Canada's goalkeeper Nicci Wright at full stretch against Norway in Maryland, a group match Norway would win 7-1.

Lihong Zhao (6) of China and Sweden's Jane Tornqvist (3) battle for the ball in a tussle between the top two teams in Group D. China, the eventual finalists, would go on to win the match 2-1.

Norway would top Group C. Here the team prepares to slide on the turf in unison after a thumping 4-0 thumping of Japan on a rain-drenched Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Australia's Julie Murray rushes her bench after scoring in the second half against Ghana. Australia drew 1-1 and finished third in Group D.

North Korea fans cheer before the team's match against the USA in Massachusetts. The visitors would fall to a 3-0 defeat and failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

For younger readers, a camcorder is, according to the dictionary, a portable combined video camera and video recorder. USA co-captain Julie Foudy records her teammates at Stanford Stadium. Her footage would later feature in a documentary about the team.

China's goalkeeper Hong Gao celebrates after teammate Wei Pu scores China's first goal against Russia. China would go on to win the quarterfinal match 2-0.

One of the most exciting matches of the tournament was the quarterfinal tie between Brazil and Norway. The Brazilians let a 3-0 lead slip, but progressed thanks to a Sissi freekick in extra-time.

After a thrilling win, Brazilian fans danced and played the drums prior to the semi-final match against USA on July 4 at Stanford Stadium.

Brazil was a much improved team, progressing from a so-called "Group of Death,' but fell 2-0 to USA in the semi-finals.

Brazil played Norway in the third-place playoff. Sissi (pictured) would share the Golden Boot award with China's Sun Wen after both players finished the tournament with seven goals.

Brazil's Formiga (R) is hugged by goalie Maravihla after her game-winning shootout goal during the third-place playoff at the Rose Bowl as Brazil defeated Norway 5-4 on penalty kicks.

At a packed stadium, Jennifer Lopez performs during the ceremony before the Rose Bowl final between the U.S and China.

90,185 attend the final at Pasadena's Rose Bowl, still a record for a Women's World Cup match, and an estimated 40 million viewers in the U.S. alone watched America win its second title.

In one of the most iconic images in sport, Brandi Chastain celebrates scoring the penalty that secured the title.

Joy Fawcett (14), Kate Sobrero (20) and Tisha Venturini (15) celebrate victory.

Captain Carla Overbeck (4) raises the World Cup trophy aloft, elevating women's football to another level in the country.

Mia Hamm (9) is embraced by Shannon MacMillan (8) as teammates Joy Fawcett, Kate Sobrero, Carla Overbeck and Sara Whalen celebrate victory. Carla Overbeck, Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Hamm all converted their spot-kicks.

Before a packed and jubilant stadium, the U.S team received their gold medals.

U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry thanks supporters who gathered at a fan rally on July 11 at the convention center in Los Angeles, California.

The World Cup winners were welcomed to the White House. Brandi Chastain gives President Clinton a team jersey at the White House in Washington, D.C.