1991 FIFA Women's World Cup
The first World Cup of Women was held in the People's Republic of China from 16 to 30 November 1991. The U.S. women won the inaugural Women's World Cup thanks to their attacking trio consisting of Michelle Akers, Carin Jennings and April Heinrichs. The German team failed in the semifinals of the U.S. and finally finished 4th place for the first time, women were employed in a FIFA competition as referee.
- 6.1 quarterfinals
- 6.2 Semi-finals
- 6.3 3rd place match
- 6.4 final
- 8.1 adidas Golden Ball
- 8.2 adidas Golden Shoe
- 8.3 FIFA Fair Play award
Venues
The World Cup games were played in six stadiums in four cities of China's Guangdong Province.
Mode
The twelve teams were divided into three groups of four. The top two teams of each group and the two best third-placed teams qualified for the quarter- finals. From the quarter- finals of the World Cup in the knockout system has been played. The game lasted 2 x 40 minutes. Level after regular time fixed no winner, a two 10 -minute extra time was played. Was then still a tie, there was a penalty shootout.
Participant
The following women's teams participated in the first Women's World Cup:
Squad
Preliminary round
Group A
China was able to win victories against Norway and New Zealand as a group first. Norway could still play at No. 2 despite the 0-4 defeat in the first game, Denmark was third. For New Zealand, the tournament was over after three games and three defeats.
Group B
The U.S. women's lived up in Group B of their role as favorites. The narrow victory against Sweden was followed by two clear victories against Brazil and Japan. The Swedes played on the 2nd game against Japan in a real rush and made the 8-0 for the biggest win of the tournament. The Brazilians lacked a goal to move into the quarterfinals. Japan was completely overwhelmed and had to without having achieved one goal, to leave.
Group C
The German women dominated clear in their group. Without conceding and with three clear wins the jump succeeded to the quarterfinals. Heidi Mohr had five goals a particularly large share of the German success. Italy was second, Chinese Taipei third parties. Nigeria disappointed across the board and traveled point - and scoreless again.
Third group
Denmark qualified as the best group of third parties in addition to Chinese Taipei, which were achieved because of a gate more ahead of Brazil, for the quarter-finals.
Final round
1 win after extra time
Quarterfinals
Germany won against Denmark only after extra time. For Germany Bettina Wiegmann came from the penalty spot and Heidi Mohr in the extension. Sweden narrowly won against hosts China. After only three minutes of play Pia Sundhage scored the goal for the final score. Norway Italy wrestled down. Twice the Italians were able to equalize the lead of Norway in the regular season yet. In the extension of this to work no more. The United States prevailed without problems 7-0 against Chinese Taipei, Michelle Akers contributed five goals in the clear victory.
Semifinal
Germany was the United States inferior in all respects. Already after 33 minutes into Germany by a hat-trick by Carin Jennings - Gabarra with 0:3 rear. In the end it was 2:5. In the Scandinavian duel Norway was able to prevail. At the halftime score at 1-1 at the end of 4:1 for Norway.
3rd Place Match
Germany was able to accommodate 3 to oppose the Swedes nothing in the game and had to settle for second place at the end 4. As I lay against the United States Germany against Sweden after half an hour already with 0:3 back.
Final
63,000 spectators, the United States became the first women's football World Cup. Two minutes from the end Michelle Akers scored the highly acclaimed winner.
Best scorers
See also: scoring charts all over the world championships
Awards
Adidas Golden Ball
The Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament was the U.S. American Carin Jennings. The Silver Ball went to your country wife, Michelle Akers and the Bronze Ball at the Norwegian Linda Medalen.
Adidas Golden Shoe
The Golden Boot as leading scorer received the US-American Michelle Akers for their ten tournament goals. The Silver Shoe went to the German Heidi Mohr and the Bronze Shoe U.S. citizen Carine Jennings and the Norwegian Linda Medalen, as both players had scored six goals.
FIFA Fair Play award
The FIFA Fair Play Award for the fairest team of the tournament went to Germany.