South Africa’s impressive tenacity got them to the round of 16 to play in the Netherlands vs South Africa game in the Women’s World Cup this weekend. Banyana knew that facing the tournament’s number 2 ranked team was not going to be easy, with Captain Thembi Kgatlana giving everything she had in leading the side (South Africa is ranked 54th). Netherlands coach Andries Jonker said of Kgatlana:
“I’m very happy with a good win against a tough opponent.”
Coach Andries Jonker
The Netherlands has made it into the quarterfinals to play against Spain.
Banyana Took Powerful Shots in the First Half of Netherlands vs South Africa
Within the first 9 minutes of the first half of the game, Danielle van de Donk’s header set up a nice shot for Jill Roodt to score the first goal for the Netherlands. But when Kgatlana tried to retaliate, all the star forward’s attempts at a goal were blocked. It is as if Dutch goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar, had been studying Kgatlana throughout the Women’s World Cup ahead of facing her. The Netherlands was feeling Banyana’s fury; coach Jonker complained:
“…the part of me that wants great football is disgruntled with the first half, where we gave the ball away too much. In the end, we deserved to win the game, but it was a quite difficult first half by our own fault and the good work of South Africa.”
Banyana Banyana wins against Italy.
Another Goal for the Netherlands in the Second Half of the Women’s World Cup Match with South Africa
Forward Lineth Beerensteyn put South Africa further on the back foot when, unfortunately for Kaylin Swart, the ball slipped from her fingers into the net and gave the Dutch team another goal.
South Africa would not accept defeat until the end. Van Domselaar was bombarded with shots coming her way. Linda Motlhalo’s tried a low drive around the post five minutes after the 2nd goal. Kgatlana, true to her reputation, was also putting up quite a fight but nothing could make it past Van Domselaar.
Banyana Banyana is now headed home.
Coach Desiree Ellis remarked:
“We felt we could have won this game and if I look back, we should have done with the opportunities that we had. But, as always, if you don’t take the chances then that’s what happens. With a decision or a goal here or there, we could be speaking differently now, but I think the whole of South Africa should be really proud of this team.”
And the whole country is indeed proud of Banyana Banyana.
