The Netherlands is another quarter-finalist at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after eliminating one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament, South Africa, in the Round of 16. The goals for the 2-0 success were realized by Jill Roord in the 9th minute and Lineth Beerensteyn in the 68th.
In the group stage, the South African women achieved a sensational victory over Italy and thus reached the direct eliminations, but against the Netherlands, the difference in classes was obvious. Both of the goals came after blunders in South African defense, which made the task for their opponent even easier.
The start of the match suggested that the Netherlands would dominate. The score was opened after a cross from a corner and a header that was cleared off the goal line, but the ball bounced comfortably for Jill Roord to make it 1-0. The 26-year-old player of Wolfsburg already has 4 goals in the championship. Until the break, the Europeans skillfully played in the middle of the field and did not allow serious dangers to arise in front of the goal, guarded by Daphne van Domselaar.
Little changed in the second half, although South Africa looked to attack at every opportunity. In the 54th minute, Lieke Martens had a goal disallowed for offside. In the 68th, her pass put Lineth Beerensteyn behind the defense. A not-so-precise shot followed, but the South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart comically intervened and dropped the ball, then it stopped in the net.
In the previous World Cup in 2019, the Netherlands played in the final but lost to the USA. Now the “Oranges” are among the favorites again, and the match against Spain in the next round is shaping up to be a real spectacle.
