Netherlands beats South Africa 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup

Netherlands superior to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday with a 2-0 win over South Africa.

Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn scored in every half on the Sydney Football Stadium to safe the 2019 runners-up a spot within the final eight.

But South Africa, one of many shock groups of the event, gave the Dutch some nervous moments, forcing goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar right into a string of saves to maintain Thembi Kgatlana at bay.

Netherlands misplaced to the U.S. staff within the World Cup last 4 years in the past and appear like contenders once more after ending above the Americans in Group E.

South Africa had already exceeded expectations by advancing to the knockout stage for the primary time after its dramatic 3-2 win over Italy in its last group recreation.

But targets from Roord within the ninth minute and Beerensteyn within the 68th, after an error from keeper Kaylin Swart, ended its unlikely run.

Netherlands went near taking the lead simply earlier than Roord’s purpose when Esmee Brugts swung in a curling shot that Swart needed to push over the bar. Roord struck from the ensuing nook.

Sherida Spitse’s cross was headed towards purpose by Lieke Martens, which pressured Swart into motion once more. But from her save, the ball looped within the air and Roord headed over the road from shut vary to attain her fourth purpose of the event.

Danielle van de Donk was near extending the lead however was denied by the toes of Swart from contained in the field, and Kgatlana examined Van Domselaar as South Africa confirmed its risk on the break.

Kgatlana got here nearer nonetheless when via on purpose simply earlier than the halftime, however couldn’t discover a well beyond Van Domselaar. South Africa ended the half the stronger as Kgatlana repeatedly burst past the Netherlands protection.

Its response to going behind was much more spectacular, contemplating it needed to cope with accidents to Jermaine Seoposenwe and Bambanani Mbane within the first half.

Netherlands regained management after the restart and the Dutch thought they’d doubled their lead when Martens turned and transformed within the 54th. But their celebrations had been lower quick when it was dominated out on VAR overview for offside.

South Africa provided little risk because it struggled to get possession and Netherlands scored its second after an error from Swart. Beerensteyn’s weak shot ought to have been simply caught by Swart, however she allowed it to squirm out of her management and over the road.

Just as within the first half, Netherlands’ purpose sparked a response from the South African gamers and Linda Motlhalo was denied when Van Domselaar pushed her low effort around the publish.

The solely unfavourable for Netherlands was a yellow card for Van de Donk, who will now miss the quarterfinal match in opposition to Spain.