The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup continued on Saturday, with the Netherlands ending South Africa's unexpected run in the tournament with a 2-0 victory at Sydney Football Stadium in Australia.
The Netherlands advanced to the Fifa Women's World Cup quarter-finals despite numerous nerve-racking moments against South Africa.
Jill Roord, Manchester City's new club record signing, put the Dutch ahead in the ninth minute, but South Africa came close to equalising numerous times.
Banyana Banyana skipper Thembi Kgatlana was a genuine challenge once again, forcing four excellent saves from Daphne van Domselaar. Only Oranje Leeuwinnen, with one goal in each half, reached the back of the net.
After a mistake by South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart in the second half, Lineth Beerensteyn extended the lead.
South Africa did more than enough to produce quality scoring chances, but the Dutch goalkeeper continued to amaze with full-extension stoppage.
In the Netherlands-U.S. group stage encounter, the midfielder most known to USWNT supporters as Lindsey Horan's club teammate-turned-antagonist was shown a yellow card for a hard tackle. Van de Donk will miss the quarterfinals since she received her second yellow card of the tournament.
South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana deserved better after making two wonderful runs for a goal but failing to find a teammate in the area. This reminds one of Michelle Alozie's predicament in the Falcons' previous match.
