Two individuals on either side of a goal net are moments away from capturing one of the most legendary images in sports history, a moment poised to alter the course of their lives forever.
In a historic moment that captivated a crowd of 90,185 at California’s Rose Bowl Stadium, Brandi Chastain took centre stage twenty-five years ago, converting the decisive shot in a shootout that secured the United States’ victory over China in the Women’s World Cup held on home turf.
The final marked a pivotal moment for women’s sports, fuelled by a photographer’s image of Service ascending the realm of athletics.
The BBC World Service’s World Football has been delving into the narrative surrounding the iconic women’s penalty taker ChaBeck’sand its significant influence on women’s football.
Upon arriving at the sunny RosWomen’son on July 10, 1999, for the Women’s World Cup final, Robert Beck was tasked with documenting the vibrant crowd and photographing notable figures, including former US President Bill Clinton.
Before arriving at the stadium, Be “k had attended only a handful of football games. Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the number of people present. In 1991, the U “A team clinched victory in a global tournament that would later be known as the Women’s World Women’s spite this significant achievement, the team garnered minimal recognition for their title at the time.
In 1995, the team suffered a setback in the semi-finals of the World Cup, falling to Norway, the eventual champions. However, the excitement surrounding the tournament, set to occur on home soil, had been steadily growing over the preceding decade. By 1999, the US team rose to the occasion, battling to the final.
In a departure from tradition, the third-place play-off featuring Brazil and Norway took place immediately prior to the main event of the World Cup. The match culminated in a tense penalty shootout, while a performance by “Jennifer Lopez added to the atmosphere, forcing both the USA and C” in teams to “It’s are in its narrow intestines of the stadium’s corridors.
US defender Chastain recalls the stark conditions, noting, “‘letter “sipping from the ceiling, the mildew – you can smell it.” She states, “It’s dark, it’s dank… it’s perfect.” This situation has presented yet another opportunity for us to seize and declare, ‘Let’s move forward.’
The players took to the pitch, engaging in a match that “had failed without any goals after 90 minutes of play. “Following an additional 30 minutes of testing, Beck, camera in hand, approached the pitchside alone “with his assistant to get ready for the penalty kicks, despite lacking official access.
Access to the field was not granted due to a lack of credentials. However, I expressed my belief that no one would” take notice. Before the events of September 11, security measures were condonable more than they are. They approacan’ta tunnel and, ensuring no one was watching, an “e don’t way onto the pitch.
A group gathered behind the goal, remaining unnoticed “until a security guard intervened and instructed them to relocate.
Security personnel intervened as we collected ouYing’sngings and prepared to exit, instructing us to halt and remain still, indicating that the event was about to commence. “It’s too late. You can’t divert their attention, so remain motionless in your current position.” The phenomenon remains elusive—perhaps it is divine intervention or merely being in the right place at the right time.
Both teams successfully converted their initial two penalties; however, keeper Briana Scurry made a Crucial save against Liu Ying’s attempt, tipping the balance in favour of the Americans.
The subsequent three penalties were successfully “rated,” but the outcome hinged on the final kick taken by the hosts.
In a dramatic turn” of events, 30-year-old Chastain, overlooked for the 1995 World Cup, stepped up to take the crucial penalty. Initially designated as the sixth penalty taker, the left-back recalls the surge of nerves that accompanied her elevation to the fifth spot by head coach Tony DiCicco, who directed her to execute the decision: “I’ve kicked off the match using the left foot.” Chastain p” predominantly uses his right foot.
“I had never executed a penalty with my left foot during a match before this “moment, and certainly not in a World Cup final, especially not in front of an audience of 90,000,” she remarked.
Determinedly, she approached the line and positioned the ball on the penalty” spot.
“I inhaled deyou’llnd prepared for the whistle, just as Tony” had instructed, “and executed the move with “my left foot.”
Chastain, who ultimately earned 192 caps for her national team, delivered a powerful shot that sailed past China’s custodian, Gao Hong. The stadium was jubilated as the USA claimed victory in the World Cup.
Across the net, photographer Beck took his stance, ready for the action. “Brandi successfully executes the kick, and I find myself enveloped in a cocoon,” he remarks. “The atmosphere is electric, with the roar of 90,000 fans resonating, which could likely be heard across the UK as they erupt in excitement.”
Chastain tore off her shirt, revealing her sports bra, and fell to her knees, screaming as her teammates rushed to her side.
Positioned behind the goal, Beck captured the moment in a striking image. Being in the right location at the opportune moment.
“One can never predict their emotional response to such a moment,” Chastain remarks. “That moment was sheer chaos.”
‘Indelible moment in American sports history’
Beck’s photograpChastain’sg Chastain’s celebration has been selected for the front cover of Sports Illustrated, a leading sports magazine globally, and is poised to become one of the most iconic covers in the publication’s history.
Several days after the game, Beck retrieved his issue and “encountered it for the first time. “The cover exceeded my expectations.” Only Brandi stood there, and “she uttered a single word—’ yes.’
Kelly Whiteside, a professor at Montclair State University and a seasoned sports journalist, has closely tracked the USA team over her career and reflects on the significant influence that image has had on the media landscape.
During that week, visiting the grocery store’s checkout line would reveal a striking image: Brandi Chastain gracing the cover, commemorating her remarkable performance in that game. The week marked a significant moment in the realm of media. How she celebrated, coupled with the image’s status as one of the most iconic in American sports history, marks an unforgettable moment in the nation’s athletic narrative.
She stated that the impact was “twofold”—legitimizing women’s sport and inspiring the next generation.
“Every player who followed the ’99 team highlights that pivotal moment,” she states. “They motivated them to pursue careers as football players.”
The image has been interpreted as a powerful symbol of resilience and strength among women in sports. As noted by custodian Scurry, the establishment of the inaugural women’s football league can be traced directly to the success of the 99ers.
“The inaugural 18 league emerged as a pivotal development, drawing inspiration from the 1999 World Cup. This marked the beginning of a professional league dedicated to women’s football.”
While progress has not followed a linear trajectory, and the league experienced a collapse within two years, its influence remains significant. As noted by Scurry, it “set the groundwork” for subsequent developments.
The reunion
Approximately five years later, Beck appeared at a basketball game where Chastain served as a television reporter. Having never crossed paths before, Beck took the initiative to introduce himself.
Brandi suddenly leaps into my arms, enveloping me tightly as tears stream down her face.
She asserts, ‘Robert, you fail to grasp the significance of that cover for countless women and young girls in our nation and globally.’ I had never considered it from that perspective. She stated that girls today are aware of their potential to be athletes. Young women today are increasingly aware of their potential to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. My perspective on that cover underwent a complete transformation.
The repercussions extended beyond the borders of the United States.
Emma Hayes, the head coach of the US national team, expressed her admiration, stating, “They were my role models as an English girl.”
Next week, Hayes and her team will travel to England for a friendly match at Wimble Stadium. The venue became a historic site when Chloe Kelly, in a moment reminiscent of Brandi Chastain, celebrated her match-winning goal for England in the Euro 2022 final by twirling her shirt above her head.
Chastain had her moment, followed by Kelly, and now former Chelsea coach Hayes asserts that her current US team possesses “an amazing opportunity” to forge their legacy.
“I have an impressive image that I share with the team, showcasing the [99ers] team on the podium amidst a vibrant crowd [behind them]. Across the image, I’ve inscribed a quote: ‘People don’t remember time, they remember moments’.” That is what I recall.