The Netherlands scored a goal in each half to defeat South Africa 2-0 in the Round of 16 fixture of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup on Sunday.
In the pulsating contest at Allianz Stadium, Netherlands scored the opener with only nine minutes played through Jill Roord before they rounded off the victory in the 68th minute courtesy of Lineth Beerensteyn well-taken goal. Banyana Banyana went into the game oozing with confidence having defeated Italy 3-2 in their final group game to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time.
However, it was the Dutch girls who looked the better side and they deservedly took the lead when Roord latched onto a through ball before rounding up one defender and scoring past Kaylin Swart. South Africa’s best chance in the half fell to Thembi Kgatlana, who scored the goal that dumped out Italy, but she took time to unleash a cross from Hildah Magaia.
Read Also: FIFAWWC: ‘I had to provide bread for the nation’ – South Africa’s Magaia
In the second period, the Netherlands continued with their dominance and they 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. However, they were forced to wait until the 68th minute when Beerensteyn scored past Swart to make it 2-0. South Africa kept pressing to reduce the deficit but Netherland’s defence stayed sold keeping away threats from Kgatlana and Magaia.
While South Africa will be heading back home, the Netherlands will proceed to face Spain in the quarter-finals at Wellington Regional Stadium on Friday. Spain qualified for the last eight after defeating Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16 fixture at Eden Park Outer Oval on Saturday.