The Netherlands defeated South Africa to advance to the Fifa Women’s World Cup quarterfinals against Spain, but not without experiencing some nerve-racking moments along the way.
In the ninth minute, Jill Roord, a new club record signing for Manchester City, gave the Dutch the lead, but the 2019 runners-up saw South Africa come very near to tying the score multiple times.
Banyana At Sydney Football Stadium, the new custodian for Aston Villa, Daphne van Domselaar, was forced into four excellent saves by Banyana captain Thembi Kgatlana.
Following a mistake by South Africa custodian Kaylin Swart in the second half, Lineth Beerensteyn increased the lead.
The Netherlands will travel back to New Zealand the following Friday at 2:00 p.m. BST to compete against Spain for a spot in the semifinals.
They won’t have midfielder Danielle van de Donk, though, since she received her second caution of the competition and is suspended.
Another game at this event got off to a blazing start, and the Dutch are now just two victories away from making back-to-back finals.
After Lieke Martens was stopped by a clearance off the line, Roord scored early on to make it six goals in as many minutes.
Their second goal came as a gift from Swart, who let Beerensteyn’s fairly simple shot slide through her grasp and into the goal.
Although it was a terrible situation for the custodian, it gave the Dutch their third victory of the competition.
They have enjoyed a nearly flawless World Cup thus far, and Lindsey Horan’s equaliser against the four-time world champion United States was the only thing standing in their way.
Andries Jonker, who worked under Louis van Gaal at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, has been charged with improving on the United States’ 2-0 victory over Sarina Wiegman’s team in France at the last World Cup.
They are in excellent shape going into the quarterfinals and have Spain in their sights.
Banyana Banyana is leaving for home, but they left a mark in this World Cup.
Before and after games, their players have made supporters happy by dancing and singing, and on the field, their thrilling, quick-paced offensive style has enthralled spectators.
Despite a disagreement with their national association, all of this has occurred. For making it to the round of 16, South Africa’s athletes will receive $50,000 each from Fifa, but the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) will receive nothing.
Despite this, they have been entertaining to watch, and their thrilling victory over Italy in the last group game earned them a first-round bye.
Despite losing Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane to injuries before halftime, South Africa battled with the Netherlands.
The outstanding Kgatlana, who has scored two goals and assisted on another two at this World Cup, was once again dangerous against the Dutch.
The 27-year-old was disappointed by Van Domselaar despite having five of South Africa’s seven shots on goal in this game.
In 2027, will Banyana Banyana be back?
The upcoming Women’s World Cup is planned for South Africa. They certainly made the 2023 edition entertaining, and they will be missed.
