U.S. women trying to live up to historic 1999 World Cup win
The U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) is trying to match the achievement of a group of American soccer heroes who won the World Cup in 1999, reports CBS News correspondent Ben Tracy.
That year in Pasadena, California, on July 10th, 90,000 fans waited in silence for the moment where Team USA made history.
"Everything from the whistle going forward, to the kick and the ball going through and hitting the net, was slow motion," former USWNT member Brandi Chastain said. "But then once it hit the net it was just like, I mean everybody right behind the goal was like 'Wahh!' You know, like, 'Bang,' you know, 'Like Fourth of July."
It's a moment Chastain has replayed in her head countless times. She, along with Mia Hamm, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly and their teammates became what some have called the greatest women's sports team in history.
"I think we were all really enthusiastic, but I'm not so sure that we knew it was going to cause this revolution or this immediate love for women's soccer," Chastain said.
You can credit some of the love to an iconic image of Chastain ripping off her jersey -- plastered on newspapers and magazines around the world.
"I hope that young girls who see that picture see a little bit of themselves," Chastain said. "You know, they see strength and power, a life long's journey, the willingness and the confidence that it takes to, you know, be seen."
Equally inspiring -- goalie Briana Scurry's stunning save during penalty kicks. She went from obscurity to celebrity in one game.
"You know, this guy got out of his car and it was running still and the door was open and he ran over to me and he gave me a high five and he goes 'Great job, you're awesome' -- runs back to his car and I'm like 'Did that just happen?'" Scurry said.
She suffered a career ending concussion in 2010, but Scurry now hopes younger players can learn from her accomplishments.
"I want my legacy to be that of inspiration and awareness, but I want to actually inspire as many people from age 40 on as I did from age 0 to 40," she said.
Christie Rampone was just 24 years old when she played with the 1999 team. She's now the current captain.
"We just captured America at that moment and realizing that women can play a sport, nevertheless soccer, and draw so many fans and so much awareness to the sport," Rampone said. "It was unbelievable to be part of that team."
Chastain retired in 2010 and is now a mom and a coach.
She said "you have no idea" how badly she wishes she was on the field this year.
"I miss playing every day, but I'm kind of satisfying that need to be on the field with coaching," Chastain said.
If her team played against the current squad, she said it would be "no contest."