Staged in China across four host cities, a total of just 12 teams competed for the coveted title of the world’s best, which saw the United States secure the inaugural edition and the first of their two World Cup trophies.
Collectively, just a tick over half a million fans poured through the gates to witness USA great Michelle Akers score 10 goals throughout the 14-day tournament and Chinese goalkeeper Zhong Holglian post the first official clean sheet.
The second edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1995 was a notable one for Australia, after the Matildas made their first ever appearance in the round-robin style tournament.
Drawn in Group C alongside USA, China PR and Denmark, the Matildas failed to secure a single victory but their participation culminated in a collective belief that, where there was a place for the men in the beautiful game, there was for the women too.
Consisting of greats like Sunni Hughes, Cheryl Salisbury and Angela Iannotta - who went on to score Australia’s first goal at a World Cup - the Matildas began to etch the foundations for what has seen them earn a reputation as a tough and competitive side that no country likes to face.
From 1999 onwards, the tournament expanded to encapsulate 16 teams and now in 2015, it has finally been broadened to 24 teams and 52 matches in total.
This makes for a fabulous feast of football and a treat for those starved of access to the women’s game.
After reflecting on the years that have been and looking at what is yet to come in Canada, there are reasons to consider this is shaping up to be the biggest and most history-defining moment in Australian women’s football yet.
The Matildas' journey on the road to the 2015 Women’s World Cup was unprecedented.
For the first time in the team’s 37 year history, it embarked on an intensive four-month long camp that included competing in the Cyprus Cup and a stint in Italy - a luxury not even afforded to the Socceroos, due to domestic and foreign club responsibilities.
With an average squad age of 23, Matildas coach Alen Stajcic was faced with immense selection difficulties when it came to finalising the group he believed would give Australia the best possible chance of achieving success.
Stajcic fielded strong criticism for excluding the 2015 W-League and Matildas all-time leading goal scorer Kate Gill off the list. However, they were feathers, he believes, that deserved to be ruffled.
After the squad announcement, I sat down with a selection of the players and Stajcic, prior to their departure for Canada, almost two weeks ago now, and I walked away inspired, impressed and pleased with what they had to offer.
While they acknowledged they had been drawn in the ‘group of death’ with the second-ranked USA, fifth-ranked Sweden and African champion Nigeria - the attitude Australians have become known for in world football of ‘never say die’ was prevalent.
They echoed many of the terms and phrases we heard from Ange Postecoglou when he led the Socceroos to Brazil 2014 - ‘belief’, ‘backing yourself’ and ‘taking it to the opposition’.
By all accounts, the players have absorbed Stajcic’s desired philosophy on the pitch and have played some hugely exciting and attacking football. Come the clash with USA in Winnipeg, that approach won’t change when they take on one of the tournament favourites in the first of their group stage matches.
The hidden key to making it all work has been the improvement in the team ethos, which has changed dramatically since Stajcic was brought on permanently late last year to replace the sacked Hesterine de Reus.
It took some time to shake the dark cloud that was left hanging over the team and Stajcic has dedicated serious effort into restoring the pride, culture and the meaning of what it represents to don the green and gold jersey.
Make no mistake, this is a team littered with quality individuals. From co-captains, Lisa De Vanna and Clare Polkinghorne, to Caitlyn Foord, Kyah Simon, Stephanie Catley, Michelle Heyman and Sam Kerr - the list goes on.
This is a team forged on the belief that they are capable of taking on any team in the world - and winning.
De Vanna, who is heading into her third World Cup has openly said ‘it’s the best squad I’ve played with’ and that they’re equipped with ‘the football brains and the skills’ to achieve greatness.
From a broadcasting perspective, I am immensely proud to be apart of the first television broadcaster in Australian history to show all matches of a FIFA Women's World Cup LIVE and free.
This commitment is indicative of the heights that women’s football has reached and is underpinned by SBS’s longstanding commitment to bringing a World Cup, mens or womens, to Australian audiences.
However, none of the hard work, the passion and dedication these women have thrown at achieving their dreams of representing their country will be validated without the support of the nation.
The Canadian Soccer Association has predicted ticket sales to matches of more than 1.5 million during the month-long event - which would surpass the record for a FIFA Women’s World Cup or indeed any other women’s sporting event.
It’s why I am imploring you to watch the Matildas take on the world. I want you to be loud and proud and to give our girls the due credit they deserve. I know I will.
Go Matildas!