Netherlands Defeated South Africa By 2-0 To Advance In Quarterfinals

With a commanding 2-0 victory in Sydney on Sunday, the Netherlands put an end to South Africa’s historic maiden journey into the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.

Early on, Banyana Banyana found themselves in trouble when Jill Roord’s easy header into an empty net in the ninth minute—the Dutch midfielder’s fourth goal of the competition—was made possible by a poor clearance by Banyana Banyana.

The South Africans continued to battle despite that setback and had numerous opportunities.

Thembi Kgatlana, the captain, was particularly dangerous, attempting many efforts on goal but coming up short thanks to a string of excellent saves from Dutch custodian Daphne van Domselaar.

Dutch winger Lieke Martens had a goal disallowed for offside shortly into the second half.

But in the 68th minute, Lineth Beerensteyn’s goal-bound shot—which should have been a simple stop for Kaylin Swart—slipped through her hands and into the net, sealing the South Africans’ destiny. In a fit of rage, Swart slammed her hands to the ground.

The 2019 champions will now play Spain in Wellington’s quarterfinals on Friday thanks to the victory.

While South Africa is leaving the tournament, 2023 has already been a momentous one for the team, particularly after Kgatlana’s thrilling winner in stoppage time on Wednesday secured a 3-2 victory over Italy, her team’s first-ever victory at this competition.

In its debut encounter at this tournament, Banyana Banyana also almost missed a tie with Sweden, another more favoured opponent.