Tournament Overview Find out, direct from players and coaches, what it takes to win such a pressure-filled tournament and which of the record 16 teams have the right stuff to make it all the way to the semis and finals. We'll highlight key first-round games and offer viewing tips for some of the more intriguing matchups.
Team Previews Get the lowdown on every team in the field-key players to watch, style of play, qualification route, World Cup history and chances of advancing to the second round. The unmatched depth of this year's U.S. squad has it poised for a return trip to the finals, but defending champion and arch rival Norway still provides a formidable obstacle. Will China and Germany live up to their number-one seedings? What can fans expect from World Cup newcomers Russia, Mexico, Ghana and DPR Korea? It's all here.
Made in the USA Unlike their male counterparts, the U.S. women's team has emerged as the class of the international field. This feature will describe in detail how the Americans reached their lofty perch in such a short time and why other countries send players to U.S. colleges to develop their soccer skills.
The Next Generation A thought-provoking essay will examine the motivational impact this tournament will have on young girls throughout the country. Few women have memories of a major team sporting event involving women. But that won't be the case for those watching World Cup games this spring and summer. The piece will be accompanied by a feature on how current U.S. stars have inspired one particular youth soccer team.
Star Search Revealing, in-depth profiles of the world's greatest players, including Americans Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers and Julie Foudy as well as Norway's Linda Medalen, China's Gao Hong, Germany's Bettina Wiegmann and Nigeria's Mercy Akhide.
World Cup History 101 Relive the 1991 and the 1995 Women's World Cups. In addition to game highlights, review all the key stats and award winners from those memorable tournaments as well as qualifying results for the 1999 Women's World Cup.
And So Much More Best Supporting Athletes - The U.S. is loaded with players who were superstars in college. On the U.S. team, however, some must adapt to a reserve role. Learn how athletes such as Danielle Fotopoulos, the all-time NCAA career leader in goals, has made the adjustment to coming off the bench.
Dress Rehearsal - The excitement for Women's World Cup '99 began to build at the Final Draw/World All-Star Match weekend, during which the World All-Stars handed the U.S. its first loss on home soil in 46 games
Coming to America - Read about the impressions and expectations of foreign players visiting the U.S. for the first time.
The Play's the Thing - Corner kicks are common in all soccer matches, but it looks like total chaos to the uninitiated. Coaches reveal offensive and defensive strategies as well as the tendencies of certain teams.
Net Gains - See how goalies stay sharp when their team is dominating play at the far end of the field.
Celebrity Soccer - A look at stars from the worlds of TV, movies, music, politics and even other sports who are big-time soccer fans
Spotlight on host cities (Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, NY/NJ and Washington, D.C.), complete with photos and pertinent info. about stadiums
Complete Women's World Cup Schedule and Broadcast Info.
