In our search for the greatest goal in FIFA Women’s World Cup™ history, we focus today on the 1999 edition in the USA and a sumptuous free-kick by the Brazilian Sissi.

When As Canarinhas came up against Nigeria in the quarter-finals of USA 1999 in Washington, the South Americans raced into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 35 minutes. However, Nigeria roared back and eventually equalised in the 85th minute, forcing extra time. “We got complacent. We went in at half-time thinking the game was over, but they picked up on that and took advantage,” Sissi explained.

Then, in the 105th minute, the Brazilians won a free-kick just beyond the edge of the box, to the left of goal. Sissi stood over the ball and took a deep breath. Despite coming into the tournament carrying an injury and being a playmaker rather than a forward, the No10 duly dispatched her seventh goal of USA 1999 to earn herself a share of the adidas Golden Boot.

Not only was her curling effort into the top corner the sweetest of left-foot strikes, it was also the first golden goal in the history of women's football (at that time, a rule was in place whereby the first goal in extra time would end the match).

“I still find it difficult not to get emotional when I see that goal," said Sissi. "That game undoubtedly changed my life. I went nuts during that run (when she wheeled away in celebration). I wanted to show the Brazilian people that we ladies had what it takes to play football. At that moment I shouted to tell everybody that we were there, that our work deserved to be respected, to make them recognise our abilities.”