2015 FIFA Women's World Cup: 5 Biggest Moments in US Team History
The U.S. plays Australia today at the World Cup in Canada.
— -- It's time to break out those American flags and dust off those soccer scarves because the U.S. soccer team is competing for a World Cup once again.
No, not that team. You know, the one from last summer in Brazil featuring Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey. This is the United States women's national soccer, which is seeking to win its third World Cup title.
With the Americans taking on Australia today in its first game at the World Cup, here is a look at five other times from the past that made us proud to root for the U.S. women:
1991 World Cup versus Norway
The Americans won FIFA's inaugural tournament -- known at the time as the FIFA World Championship -- that took place in China. Featuring a forward line dubbed the "Triple-Edged Sword" that consisted of captain April Heinrichs, Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings, the Americans defeated Norway 2-1 in the final. Akers finished as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals.
1996 Summer Olympics versus China
With women's soccer added to the roster of Olympic sports for the first time ever, the Americans took their winning ways to Atlanta. The U.S. -- featuring Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brandi Chastain -- overcame the relatively-weak competition and defeated China 2-1 in the final to take home the gold medal.
1999 World Cup versus China
Like Atlanta, the United States was playing at home. FIFA's decision to award the U.S. the 1999 Women's World Cup not only gave the Americans the home-field advantage, but it also helped grow the game in this country. The third edition of the tournament remains one of the biggest achievements ever by an American sports team.
Playing before a capacity crowd of 90,185 at the Rose Bowl, the U.S., led by Hamm, overcame China in a penalty shootout, 5-4, to win its second World Cup title. Chastain's winning kick -- followed by her now-legendary shirt-peeling celebration -- made her a superstar.
2011 World Cup versus Brazil
The Americans -- one of the favorites to win the World Cup that year in Germany -- entered its quarterfinal clash against Brazil knowing it had to up its game if it wanted to advance. With the U.S. down 2-1 with seemingly no time left in overtime, it was a thrilling goal by Abby Wambach in the 122nd on a header that proved to be the game's goosebump moment. The goal sent the game to a shootout, where the Americans prevailed, 5-3.
2012 Summer Olympics versus Japan
The U.S.'s string of success at the Summer Games continued in London. After losing the World Cup final to Japan on penalties the previous year, Wambach and her teammates were set on capturing another gold medal. The Americans did just that -- exacting its revenge on Japan in the decisive game, 2-1.
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