What If the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team lost the ‘99 World Cup? | 22

Alternate Routes

As the world’s greatest athletes descend on Paris for the 2024 Olympics, we find ourselves in the golden age of women’s team sports. Over the past year alone we’ve seen record viewership and attendance across the board, punctuated by the more than two billion viewers who tuned into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, it was another World Cup, 25 years ago, that first transformed “women’s sports” to just “sports.” That U.S. Women’s National Team win over China – and Brandi Chastain’s legendary celebration – put female athletes in the spotlight like never before – until now. But what would’ve happened if the U.S. had lost that World Cup Final? Would superstars like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have ever gotten the chance to shine? What indispensable article of clothing would never have gotten its due? And what does this have to do with Tebowing, T.O.’s popcorn and the Steph Shimmy?! Find out on Alternate Routes.

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