The first golden goal in women’s football
Sissi won a bronze medal and adidas Silver Ball, and was Golden Boot joint winner
Vote now for your favourite goal in the history of Women’s World Cup
In our search for the greatest goal in FIFA Women’s World Cup™ history, we focus today on the 1999 edition in the USA and a sumptuous free-kick by the Brazilian Sissi.
When As Canarinhas came up against Nigeria in the quarter-finals of USA 1999 in Washington, the South Americans raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 35 minutes. However, Nigeria roared back and eventually equalised in the 85th minute, forcing extra time. “We got complacent. We went in at half-time thinking the game was over, but they picked up on that and took advantage,” Sissi explained.
The goal
Then, in the 105th minute, the Brazilians won a free-kick just beyond the edge of the box, to the left of goal. Sissi stood over the ball and took a deep breath. Despite coming into the tournament carrying an injury and being a playmaker rather than a forward, the No10 duly dispatched her seventh goal of USA 1999 to earn herself a share of the adidas Golden Boot.
Not only was her curling effort into the top corner the sweetest of left-foot strikes, it was also the first golden goal in the history of women's football (at that time, a rule was in place whereby the first goal in extra time would end the match).
What they said
“I still find it difficult not to get emotional when I see that goal," said Sissi. "That game undoubtedly changed my life. I went nuts during that run (when she wheeled away in celebration). I wanted 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.”