The Netherlands are through to the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 win over South Africa, who were particularly resilient in the first half.
Bonds coach Andries Jonker made one change from the 7-0 win over Vietnam in the final group match: Beerensteyn returned to fitness after injury and replaced Snoeijs (bench) in attack.
South Africa’s coach Desiree Ellis also made one change from the 3-2 win over Italy that secured their place in Group G behind Sweden, starting Biyana instead of Moodaly.
Roord scores – South Africa have injury problems
Oranje took the initiative from the start, but South Africa did not hide and were always on the lookout for counter-attacks via the quick-witted and tricky Kgatlana. Nevertheless, the European favourites took an early lead: Ramalepe saved from a corner kick, but Roord dusted off effortlessly from close range (9th minute).
With one exception – van de Donk failed to clear the ball past keeper Swart (28) – the Dutch had few clear-cut goals to their name. Kgatlana, on the other hand, was always a danger: her two best chances came with a shot from an acute angle (12) and, just before the break, twice within seconds of the goalkeeper van Domselaar (45.+1).
The South Africans were also unlucky: Seoposenwe and Mbane both suffered serious injuries in the first half, so that Ellis had to make two substitutions before half-time.
The 2019 FIFAWWC runners-up advance to the 2023 Quarter-Finals! @OranjeVrouwen BeyondGreatness
– FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 6, 2023
Swart’s heavy blooper decides
After the change of ends, the Joncker eleven started with a lot of possession – and supposedly extended the lead in the 54th minute: But Martens’ goal from a turn was quickly reviewed, because Pelova was offside in the preparation. Less than 15 minutes later, however, the time had come – albeit with the help of Swart, who had been very attentive up to that point. The South African goalkeeper let a seemingly harmless shot by Beerensteyn slip through her arms, allowing the ball to trickle into the net for 2-0 (68th minute);
Only then did South Africa briefly thaw out in the second half. Van Domselaar saved with his fingertips after Motlhalo’s shot (73rd). In the final phase, the game was open. The South Africans opened up, which created space for the Dutch. After van Domselaar saved a treacherous deflected shot from Kgatlana (90.+4), it remained a lacklustre victory for the Oranje.
