Do you remember watching the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup? Do you remember the event being arguably the biggest story of that summer? Did you tune in to the Final? For those who did, what were your emotions in the aftermath of the match?

15 years ago today, the United States and China met in the WWC Final at a sold-out Rose Bowl. The historic venue had already hosted Super Bowls, college football national championships, and the men’s World Cup Final five years earlier. But this time, the Americans weren’t just hosts at a major soccer tournament, they were on the brink of winning it. Although the U.S. was victorious at the first WWC in 1991, the fact that ’99 was held here just makes it that much more special. After a scoreless regulation and extra time, where China had a sudden-death opportunity headed off the line by Kristine Lilly, the match went to penalties. Here’s the shoot-out, plus several clips from the pre-game festivities, as shown on ABC (uploaded to YouTube by tocrob):

Many Americans still remember Brandi Chastain taking off her jersey after that Cup-winning penalty. And 15 years later, the legacy of “the ’99ers” still remains. When Brazilian legend Pelé selected the greatest then-living footballers in 2004 (known as the FIFA 100, in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary), two players on that prestigious list were Michelle Akers and Mia Hamm, both Americans, both stars on that ’99 squad.

Last year, ESPN produced “The ’99ers”, a documentary that focused on the USWNT’s accomplishment that summer. It is worth checking out, especially for those interested in how that U.S. team is still an important part of today’s sports culture.

Share your memories of 1999 below!