UNITED STATES - JULY 10: Soccer: World Cup, USA Brandi Chastain victorious after scoring winning penalty kick as teammates celebrate in final vs CHN, Pasadena, CA 7/10/1999 (Photo by Robert Beck/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images/Getty Images) (SetNumber: X58263 TK4 R4)

FIFAWWC Countdown: Day 47 - Top Five Clutch Moments

Marching steadily towards Day 47 of Edge of the Crowd's epic 70-day lead-up to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, we've decided it's an apt moment to delve into the treasure trove of unforgettable episodes that have defined the history of the Women's World Cup. Today, we spotlight the five most breathtaking clutch moments from the crowning stage of women's football.

1. Brandi Chastain (1999) 

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in FIFA Women’s World Cup history occurred in the 1999 Final. Facing China in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, American defender Brandi Chastain stepped up to the spot. Chastain nailed the decisive penalty kick, securing the World Cup for the USA and creating an iconic sports image as she celebrated in pure joy.

2. Homare Sawa (2011)

Homare Sawa, captain of the Japan team in the 2011 World Cup final against the USA, delivered a crucial goal. In the 117th minute, with Japan trailing 2-1, Sawa skillfully directed a corner kick into the net, equalising the score and pushing the game to penalties, where Japan eventually triumphed to win their first FIFA Women's World Cup.

3. Abby Wambach (2011)

Despite ending up on the losing side in the Final, Abby Wambach’s 122nd-minute equaliser in the quarterfinals against Brazil is remembered as one of the greatest clutch moments. Wambach’s goal, coming in the last gasps of extra time, kept the USA in the tournament, ultimately allowing the side to advance to the Final.

Edge of the Crowd partners with Her Game Too for the Women's World Cup, uniting our passion for diversity and inclusivity in sports. Together, we aim to dismantle barriers, tackle sexism, and amplify women's voices in the sporting realm. Join us in celebrating the spirit of the beautiful game, free of gender constraints. The love for the game knows no gender; let's make every game, Her Game Too. Head to @HerGameToo on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to learn more.


4. Marta, 2007

The Brazilian star Marta produced an incredible individual performance in the 2007 semi-final against the USA. With the match delicately poised at 2-2, Marta scored a brilliant solo goal in the 79th minute, eliminating the defending Champions and sending Brazil to its first FIFA Women's World Cup Final.

5. Carli Lloyd, 2015

The USA midfielder Carli Lloyd made history in the 2015 Final against Japan by scoring the fastest hat-trick in any World Cup final, men’s or women’s. In just 16 minutes, Lloyd scored three times, effectively deciding the match and earning the USA its third FIFA Women's World Cup title.

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