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FIFA World Star Team PLAYER POS. COUNTRY Goa Hong G China Ulrika Karlsson G Sweden Kim Sun Hui D DPR Korea Lene Terp D Denmark Linda Medalen D Norway Corinne Diacre** D France Sara Mohamed Hassanein** D Egypt Homare Sawa M Japan Mercy Akhide M Nigeria Charmaine Hooper M Canada Bettina Weigmann M Germany Antonella Carta M Italy Inna Grigorieva M Russia Laurie Hill M Mexico Vivan Mensah F Ghana Julie Murray F Australia Sue Smith** F England TBD Brazil Roseli was to attend, but is injured; player to be named later **Additional player from country that did not qualify for USA `99.

Player Bios

Julie Murray (Australia) Age: Born 4/28/70 Height: 5-6 Position: Forward Club: NSWIS Sapphires International Debut: December 16, 1987 vs. USA -Renowned as Australia's best striker with a brilliant football brain, she has remarkable vision and running off the ball, a fantastic touch and is a creator of stunning goals. -Australia's third highest capped player with 53 full international caps. -Played in all three matches for Australia at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden. -Australian captain in WWC '95 in Sweden and most recently in the Oceania World Cup Qualifying Final -Scored the only goal in the 1-0 championship victory against New Zealand in the Oceania Qualifiers for the 1995 Women's World Cup -Was dropped from the National Team following the 1995 Women's World Cup -Recalled back to the National Team in 1997 by new coach Greg Brown as a striker despite playing midfield up to that point in her career. -Played in the Oceania Qualifiers for the 1991 Women's World Cup, suffering the disappointment of losing to New Zealand -Played professionally in Denmark for Fortuna Hjorring -First selected for Australia at the age of 15 for the 2nd Oceania Cup in 1986, and made her international debut in 1987 against the USA in the 4th World Women's Invitational in Taiwan -Gave the Matildas a perfect start in the 1998 Oceania World Cup Qualifying Final with a solo goal just two minutes into the do-or-die match -Scorer of the lone goal for the Matildas' tour to Pyongyang, North Korea, winning the third match of the series in September of 1998 -Scorer of the lone goal in Australia's 1-0 victory over Sweden in the first match of a European Tour in August of 1997, which at the time was Australia's greatest result ever. -Has been in Australias Player Pool longer than any other player -Scorer of the single goal to give Australia a crucial 1-0 win against New Zealand in the 1994 Oceania World Cup Qualifiers -Scorer of a sensational hat trick in the final of the Ansett Australia Summer Series, giving her club team New South Wales the 3-2 victory over South Australia and the National League Championship for 1997/98 -Decided to play soccer because her brothers did. Her oldest brother Gardiner plays in the Australian National League -Nicknamed "Muzza" -She lived in Virginia from 1979-1982 because of her father's work as a veterinarian attache -Holds a graduate diploma in sports fitness and recreation from Canberra Institute of Technology -She currently works as a Client Liaison Manager for GSI Sports, which is an event and athlete management firm

Mercy Akide (Nigeria) Age: Born 8/26/75 Height: 5-11 Position: Midfield Club: Pelican Stars International Debut: June 6, 1995 vs. Norway - Nicknamed "Marvelous" - Made debut for Super Falcons in 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in 8-0 loss to Norway - Top scorer at the 1998 African Women's Championships that qualified Nigeria for USA `99, scoring eight times including a hat trick against Egypt - Voted to the All-Tournament team at the 1998 African Women's Championships - Won the Golden Boot Award of the 1998 National Women's Football Super League - Voted MVP of her first team, the Jegede Babes, in 1993 - Helped lead her second club, the Ufuoma Babes, to the League and Cup double in 1995 after just missing out in 1994, when the Babes lost in the Cup Final to her current club, the Pelican Stars - At 5'-11" and athletic, she has drawn comparisons to Nigeria men's star Yeshidi Yekini - Lists dream as "to see the women's game attract as much attention as the men's."

Goa Hong (China) Age: 11/27/67 Height: 5-9 Position: Goalkeeper Club: Guangdong International Debut: N/A - Starting goalkeeper at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden, helping China to a fourth place finish while playing the last four matches of the tournament - Starting goalkeeper at the 1996 Olympics, helping China to the gold medal match - Starting goalkeeper for the 1997 and 1995 Asian Women's Football Championship team, which took first place both years - Helped lead China to the 13th Asian Games championship last December, defeating Korea DPR 1-0 in overtime - Voted to the 1997 Guangdong "Ten Best Players" - Voted 1995 Sweden Monthly Best Foreign Player - Back-up goalkeeper for 1989 and 1993 Asian Women's Football Championship team, which took first place both years - Back-up goalkeeper in the 1993 World University Championship in which China defeated the USA in the championship match

Vivian Mensah (Ghana) Age: Born 7/13/72 Height: N/A Position: Forward Club: La Ladies FC International Debut: N/A - Her six goals at the 1998 African Women's Championships were key in Ghana qualifying for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup - Scored two goals in overtime in the semifinals in a 4-1 victory over DR Congo to send her team to the championship game, thereby earning a berth to USA `99 - Voted to the All-Tournament team of the 1998 African Women's Championships - Has appeared 23 times for her country - A mother of one - Along with strike mate Nana Amma Gyamfuah, the two have been compared with Ghanian men's star forwards Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah - Scored seven goals in the two-first round matches against Guinea as Ghana won 19-0 on aggregate to make it to the final tournament in Nigeria - Educated at Accra Girls Vocational Institute, she enjoys watching football and music - Her favorite soccer player is Michael Owen of England

Ulrika Karlsson (Sweden) Age: 10/14/70 Height: 5-9 Position: Goalkeeper Club: Bälinge IF International Debut: October 15, 1995 vs. Romania - Voted top goalkeeper at the 1997 European Championships - Back-up goalkeeper on the 1996 Olympic Team, she played in a 3-1 victory over Denmark in the first round - Established herself as Sweden's #1 goalkeeper in 1997 - Carries on the great goalkeeping tradition of Sweden established by Annelie Nilsson (32 caps) and Elisabeth Leidinge (111) - The 1997 Sweden club player of the year for her current team Bälinge IF - Travels 120 miles one way to play for her club each weekend - Often trains with a local men's soccer club in her hometown - Joined Bälinge IF in 1995 after playing for Strömsbro/Sätra IF - Her first club was Österfärnebo IF - Nicknamed "Ucka" - Currently works as a sales clerk

Kim Sun Hui (DPR Korea) Age: 4/4/72 Height: N/A Position: Defender Club: Pyongyang International Debut: N/A - The captain of the national team - Anchored a defense that helped DPR Korea earn first berth in Women's World Cup, shutting out Japan in the semifinals, 1-0 - Helped lead DPR Korea to a second place finish in the 1998 Asian Games, losing to perennial power China, 1-0, in sudden-death overtime - Born in Pyongyang, where she currently plays club

Corinne Diacre (France) Age: 8/4/74 Height: 5-10 Position: Defender Club: Soyaux International Debut: March 9, 1993 vs. Sweden _ One of three FIFA World Stars not participating in 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup - Played for France at the 1997 European Championships, starting and playing 90 minutes in all three matches - Played both matches against the USA on the 1997 NIKE Victory Tour - She has appeared 48 times for her country, scoring 6 goals - She is currently a student in Sport and Physical Education

Homare Sawa (Japan) Age: 9/6/78 Height: 5-4 Position: Midfielder Club: Yomiuri Beleza International Debut: N/A - At age 20, she is Japan's all-time leading scorer - Played in three out of four matches at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup as a 17-year old - Played all three matches at the 1996 Olympics - Scored seven goals in one match at the XIth Asian Cup, helping Japan qualify for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup

Linda Medalen (Norway) Age: 6/17/65 Height: 5-6 Position: Defender Club: Asker SKK International Debut: 10/7/87 vs. Denmark - Won 1996 Olympic Games bronze medal - Won 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup gold medal - 1993 UEFA European Championship gold medal - 1991 UEFA European Championship silver medal - 1991 FIFA World Cup silver medal - Awarded bronze ball and bronze shoe at the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup - 1989 UEFA European Championship silver medal - Played for the Norwegian team that won the first unofficial women's world title in 1988 - Played from 1992-1998 with Asker club - Also played in the Japanese Women's Professional League with Nikko - A forward for many years, she now marshals Norway's defense - Hobbies include off-road cycling, snow-boarding and dogs - Has played 139 times for Norway through the end of 1998, the sixth most capped player in women's soccer history - Won Norwegian Cup championships in 1990-'91 and Norwegian League championships in 1988, `89, `91, `98 - Won Japanese Cup championships in 1993 and `97 and Japanese League championship in 1997

Sarah Mohamed Hassanein (Egypt) DOB: 8/4/83 Place of Birth: Cairo, Egypt Nationality: Egyptian Position: Defense Height: 1.64 M Weight: 56 kg Club: Al-Maaden Club Goals: 10 International Cap: -17 Friendlies and Qualifying matches 3 appearances in FIFA/CAF competitions Honors: Many awards in local tournaments in Egypt Brief history of her soccer career: She startd playing soccer as a kid with her brothers. At 10, her love for the game developed more when she was inspired by Sahar Hawary to join the girls youth team under formation. As the only girl in a family of seven children, Sarah proved herself in many of the local tournaments by winning many awards and setting the pace for other girls to follow. Besides her determination to be a sucessful player, training with boys of the Egyptian U-17 youth team improved her perfomance. She believes that her teammates have contributed much to her success. According to her, they all work as a team with nothing else in mind but to improve the image of women's soccer in Egypt

Lene Terp (Denmark) Age: 4/15/73 Height: 5-6 Position: Defender Club: Odense Boldklub International Debut: March 9, 1993 vs. Norway - A highly respected player in her country, she is the captain of the Danish Women's National Team - A tough player, with a winner's mentality, she prefers to stay back with the defense and not push forward - A member of Denmark's team that finished sixth at the 1995 Women's World Cup - Played every minute of Denmark's four matches at 1995 Women's World Cup - Played every minute of Denmark's three matches at the 1996 Olympics - Played in the 1997 European Championships - Played in 1993 European Championship, where Denmark finished 3rd - Has made 50 appearances for the national team, scoring 2 goals - Played 14 matches with the U-20 National Team, scoring 2 goals - Made 4 appearances with the U-16, debuting in 1989 - Plays club in her hometown for Odense Boldklub - Won the 1998 Cup Winner's Cup with Odense Boldklub - Joined Odense Boldklub in 1997after starting her career with Vejle Boldklub - Played one year for Lynn University in the USA - Currently studying Sport at the University of Odense

Laurie Hill (Mexico) Age: 2/11/70 Height: 5-1 Position: Midfielder Club: Sacramento Storm International Debut: August 29, 1998 vs. Costa Rica - Three-time All-American at UC Santa Barbara, where she played from 1988-'91 - Three time All-Far West Region selection - Captained UC Santa Barbara as a senior - Inducted into the UCSB Hall of Fame in 1998 - Scored 27 goals and had 26 assists in her career at UCSB, for a career total of 80 points - Named to the U.S. Women's Cup '98 All-Tournament Team - Participated in two U.S. Women's Training camps, but never appeared in any matches - Played youth club with the USA's Julie Foudy on the Southern California Nitemares - Played women's club for the Southern California Blues from 1988-90 and 1992-93. - Played in the Japanese Professional Women's League for Shiroki Serena in 1994-95 - Played for Southern California's Nitemares Women's Club in 1995-96 - MVP of W-League in 1996 while on the Nitemares - Played 1998 for the Sacramento Storm - Nicknamed "Thrill" - Made her international debut for Mexico in the 1998 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament - Gained Mexican citizenship through her mother, who was born in Mexico City

Inna Grigorieva (Russia) Age: 1/21/72 Height: 5-5 Position: Midfielder Club: CSK VVS International Debut: N/A - Captained Russia at the 1997 European Championships, scoring in a 3-1 loss to France - Played club for FC Lyon in France for one season in 1993 - Awarded the prize of "Best International Player of France in 1993" - She has been a part of the Russian National Team since 1989 - She has played 49 games, scoring 19 times - She started her career in 1990 playing for Spartak, winning the championship in 1992 - Moved to her current club CSK VVS in 1993, winning the championship in 1993, 94 and 96 - Led CSK VVS to the Russian Cup in 1993 and 94 - She was named to the U.S. Women's Cup '98 All-Tournament Team, scoring one goal in Russia's three games

Charmaine Hooper (Canada) Age: 1/15/68 Height: 5-6 Position: Forward Club: Chicago Cobras International Debut: July 7, 1986 vs. USA - Played for Canada at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup - Played for Canada in the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournaments for the 1991, `95 and `99 Women's World Cups - Scored six goals in the 1998 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament, helping Canada to its second Women's World Cup berth, and scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the semifinal - Favorite soccer player is Ronaldo of Brazil - Her international debut was in first-ever match for Canada in 1986 vs. USA - Canada's all-time leading scorer and second-most capped player

Bettina Weigmann (Germany) Age: 10/7/71 Height: 5-7 Position: Midfield Club: SF Siegen von 1899 e.V. International Debut: October 1, 1989 vs. Hungary Voted 1997 German Women's Footballer of the Year Played for Germany at the 1996 Olympics, scoring two goals Played for Germany at the 1997 European Championships, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 semifinal win over Sweden Played for Germany at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden, scoring two goals Played for Germany at the 1995 European Championships Won the prestigious German Cup in 1991, 94 and 97 with her former team, GW Brauweiler Played on 1997 German Champion GW Brauweiler

Sue Smith (England) Age: 10/24/79 Height: 5-4 Position: Forward Club: Tranmere Rovers International Debut: Feb. 27, 1997 A pacy winger with a strong shot, she is known as a tireless worker with great skill Made her international debut at the age of 16 as a substitute against Germany, scoring a goal in the 88th minute At the age of 20, she is now a regular on the national squad, and shows great maturity for her age Plays club for Tranmere Rovers, one of the most improved clubs in Britain, who have already upset traditional powers Everton and Liverpool in the National Division this season Started playing soccer at the age of 5 on an all boys team, before joining her brother's team at the age of 9 At age 14, she was picked by Tranmere Rovers coach Steve Williams to play on England's U-16 team Currently studying for a sports science degree at Liverpool John Moores University Says that her career goal is to win a World Cup

Antonella Carta (Italy) Age: 3/1/67 Height: 5-7 Position: Midfielder Club: Autolelli Picenum International Debut: N/A Helped Italy to a berth in the final at the 1997 European Championships, which included a 2-0 first round victory over Norway and a 2-1 victory over Spain in the semifinals Helped Italy go undefeated in group play of European Qualifying to earns its second Women's World Cup berth She has earned 113 international caps for her country She has scored 27 goals for the national team Began her club career in 1991 with Reggiana Zambelli, where she played two years scoring 41 goals in 54 games Moved to Torino in 1993 where she scored 24 goals in 28 matches In 1994 she transferred to Lugo, where she played four years While at Lugo, she scored 71 goals in 104 games For the 1998/99 season, she is currently playing for Picenum, for which she has a team high five goals so far this season