For the third World Cup, the United States qualified as host. In 1996, the United States had won the first women's football tournament in the Olympic Games and was therefore a favorite for the World Cup title. They also lived up to their role in the first games. In the first group match they met Denmark and won 3-0. In the second match, Nigeria was defeated 7-1 and in the third match Korea DPR 3-0. In the quarter-finals, European Champion Germany was defeated 3–2 and Brazil was defeated in the semi-final 2–0. The final in Los Angeles against China then took place in front of a record crowd of 90,185 spectators. No women's football match recognized by FIFA had attracted more spectators.