Women’s World Cup: Netherlands knock out South Africa to book place in last eight
Netherlands have booked their place in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over South Africa.
Jill Roord opened the scoring before Lineth Beerensteyn doubled the lead in the second half.
The win means that they will face Spain in the quarter-final on Friday, after the Spaniards thrashed Switzerland yesterday.
A second yellow card of the tournament for Danielle van de Donk means that she will be suspended and miss the match after starting all 15 Women’s World Cup games in Netherlands’ history.
“We have this conviction, it’s not the last game for Danielle. It’s very disappointing she got a yellow card but we can’t change it,” Netherlands manager Andries Jonker said.
“Danielle has very specific qualities that we really need and we will miss those qualities.
“But we’ve got a lot of other good midfielders and that’s what we’ll need to work out over the next few days.”
Manchester City record signing Roord headed in from close range to put the Netherlands ahead but South Africa nearly equalised on a number of occasions.
Thembi Kgatlana had a host of chances but a fine performance from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar kept her name off the scoresheet.
Lieke Martens had the ball in the net early in the second half but her goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.
The Dutch did double the lead though, and it was an unfortunate mistake by South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart that allowed Beerensteyn to score and confirm the Netherlands place in the last eight.
South Africa impress despite last-16 loss
South Africa may be heading home after the loss but took the 2019 finalists all the way.
Their win over Italy in the group stage marked their first ever on the World Cup stage, having lost all three matches in their only other appearance four years ago.
“As a group we need to hold our heads up high,” said manager Desiree Ellis.
“When we reached the last 16 the whole country went crazy and I’m expecting them to go crazy when we get back as well.
“The whole of South Africa should be very proud of this team.”
