The Netherlands edged out South Africa with a superb goal-scoring performance

The Netherlands’ 2-0 win, hinted at by an early goal and later bolstered by a small error, sent the Orange Lionesses into what appeared to be one hell of a quarter-final against Spain, who rebounded from their 4-0 defeat by Japan on Saturday in the group game led to a 1:5 defeat against Switzerland. The Netherlands’ attempt to repeat their 2019 performance in France, where they lost to the United States in the final, came to fruition on an overcast midday in front of a crowd of 40,233 at Sydney Football Stadium, much of whom were mesmerized by the South Africans.

The South Africans added a special moment to the event with their 92nd-minute goal in a 3-2 win over Italy on the margins of the end of the group stage in New Zealand, when Hildah Magaia sent in a beautiful cross from the left to Thembi Kgatlana. who scored a goal that was considered historic. This meant that South Africa had only progressed through the group stage at their second World Cup, and it prompted statements such as those made by South African Sport Minister Zizi Kodwa to South African media: “This is a historic moment for women’s sport in the country.”

Women’s World Cup Schedule and Knockout Rounds

While Italy’s players could see that goal slumbering at some point in the future, Van Domselaar could see Kgatlana attack them with skill and ferocity because that happened time and time again. Van Domselaar kept the sheet clean with both formulaic and acrobatic saves.

Their work would have stalled the Dutch goal in the ninth minute, which happened when Sherida Spitses corner kicked into the box and intercepted a skillful, low header from Lieke Martens, who lowered her skull with enough moxie to get the ball close send (right) post where the South African defense had gone haywire. The ball swept left to the threshold and Jill Roord, who barely had to graze it with her head to score.

That continued into the first half as well Banyana Banyana used his lower ball possession for more promising attacks. This was despite a narrow position for offside by the Netherlands, which resulted in a shot on goal in the 54th minute. And that lasted until the 68th minute, when Martens sent a pretty through ball down the left side where Lineth Beerensteyn was able to reach him, left footed once and carried the ball to goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who ran it through her hands.

That almost certainly meant the historic breakthrough would be over, although South Africa gave the game another breath in the 72nd minute when the Dutch defense collapsed and Linda Motlhalo fired a shot from the top of the box that Van Domselaar hit Dive left to deflect it with his hand. South Africa had come and gone with distinction.