VIDEO
CNN's Rebecca MacKinnon has a look at the Chinese soccer team's welcome home. (July 13)
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July 13, 1999
Web posted at: 10:29 p.m. EDT (0229 GMT)

BEIJING (CNN) -- China's soccer team fell one step short of a Women's World Cup championship but still won an important victory, raising the stature of female athletes in the world's most populous country.

While China's 5-4 loss on penalty kicks to the United States in Pasadena, California, was a bitter defeat, the team returned to a hero's welcome from fervent fans and accolades from President Jiang Zemin.

CNN Beijing Bureau Chief Rebecca MacKinnon looks at the team's return to Beijing, and how its performance in the World Cup may lead Chinese athletes into the future.

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