A courageous performance by South Africa’s national women’s team, Banyana Banyana, was not enough to overcome the Netherlands, as the European side won 2-0 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
The Dutch team showcased their prowess on the field with goals from Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn, overpowering a spirited Banyana Banyana side.
Despite being the underdogs, South Africa took the game to the Dutch in an entertaining last 16 clash at the Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia on Sunday.
From the outset, the Group D winners asserted their dominance, launching attacks and testing the South African defence.
Kaylin Swart, Banyana Banyana’s goalkeeper, made an impressive save to deny Esmee Brugts’ curler from outside the penalty area.
However, the relentless Dutch pressure paid off, and Roord capitalized on a close-range opportunity from a well-taken corner, giving OranjeLeeuwinnen an early lead.
South Africa, unfazed by the setback, regrouped and found their rhythm as the first half progressed.
Thembi Kgatlana’s explosive pace posed a constant threat, forcing Daphne van Domselaar to make a series of crucial saves.
Despite the Banyana Banyana’s resilience, they were unable to convert their chances into goals, allowing the Dutch to maintain their lead.
After the break, the Netherlands regained control and nearly doubled their advantage with a superb turn and finish by Lieke Martens.
However, a VAR review ruled out the goal due to Victoria Pelova’s offside position during the build-up.
Nevertheless, the Dutch team continued to press, and Beerensteyn capitalized on a goalkeeping error from Swart to secure their second goal.
South Africa refused to back down and continued to attack with determination. Van Domselaar showcased her skills with an outstanding save from Linda Motlhalo’s powerful strike from outside the penalty area.
A yellow card for Danielle van de Donk provided a glimmer of hope for South Africa, as the Dutch player will be suspended for the next match.
However, despite the challenges, the Dutch proved too strong for Banyana Banyana, securing a well-deserved victory and a place in the next round.
The two-goal deficit was too big to overhaul and the Netherlands held on comfortably to set up a quarter-final clash with Spain.
