Background

Women's football celebrated its true coming of age in November of 1991 when the Women's World Championship was brought to life on the ambitious initiative of Dr. João Havelange, FIFA President at that time.
The first competition kicked off in the People's Republic of China to large and enthusiastic crowds. With twelve nations competing, it proved to be a resounding success.
In keeping with the true spirit of the celebration, six female referees or assistant referees were appointed among match officials for the first time in FIFA history. Claudia de Vasconcelos of Brazil, the referee for the 3rd-place match, became the first woman to officiate at this level for FIFA.
The American team, led by a dominating forward line dubbed ¡°The Triple-Edged Sword¡± by the Chinese media, tore through the tournament to win the first-ever world championship for women¡¯s football.

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