Edet Ikotidem
In Sydney on Sunday, the Netherlands defeated South Africa 2-0 to advance to the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals ahead of a thrilling last-16 match between the hosts, the United States, and Sweden.
The Netherlands, who finished second in 2019, will now play Spain in the semifinals, but they had some tense moments in Sydney in front of 40,000 spectators and can thank goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar for several crucial saves in the first half.
After nine minutes, Jill Roord’s goal put the Dutch ahead of a team that is 45 places below them in the world rankings and is participating in the knockout rounds for the first time.
A harmless Lineth Beerensteyn shot was then mishandled by South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart in the middle of the second half, giving the Dutch a second.
The reigning African champions will be furious with themselves for wasting so many opportunities in the first 45 minutes, nearly all of which fell to their dynamic captain Thembi Kgatlana.
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After a corner, midfielder Roord nodded in the opening goal from close range for her fourth goal of the competition.
After that, the Netherlands maintained their composure before scoring their second goal in the 68th minute when Swart’s error allowed Beerensteyn’s feeble attempt to slip through her hands.
Andries Jonker, the Dutch coach, said, “Daphne saved us a few times and I was happy to lead 1-0 at halftime.
“We played much better and had much more control of the game in the second half.
“We deserved to score once more and, in the end, deserved to win.
”.His team will now travel back to New Zealand for Friday’s semifinal matchup in Wellington against Spain, who defeated Switzerland 5-1 on Saturday.
Desiree Ellis, the South African coach, was happy with her team but believed they deserved to win.
She remarked, “We had plenty of opportunities to end the game, especially in the first half.
“The opportunities we produced ought to have made us invisible.
”.In an attempt to win an unprecedented third straight World Cup, the USA will face Sweden in Melbourne at 9:00 GMT on Sunday.
The Americans will be looking to improve on some underwhelming group-stage showings.
The two highest-ranked teams left standing after Germany’s shocking group-phase elimination are the United States at number one and Sweden at number three on the FIFA list.
The winners will advance to Friday’s quarterfinal matchup in Auckland against Japan.
In addition to being held by the Netherlands and drawing 0-0 with tournament debutants Portugal, Vlatko Andonovski’s USA have played unconvincingly.
On the eve of the game, Andonovski said, “We are fortunate to be in, but we are moving on.
We will now take all necessary steps to prevent a repeat of the same circumstance.
To achieve success and fulfill everyone’s expectations, we are making every effort possible.
”.With six previous encounters at World Cups, but never in the knockout rounds, the United States and Sweden are a seasoned rivalry.
Sweden defeated the USA 3-0 in their most recent meeting at the Tokyo Olympics, but the USA won their most recent World Cup matchup 2-0 in 2019 on their way to winning the tournament.
When they meet, history won’t matter, according to coach Peter Gerhardsson, who is confident that the underwhelming champions can be defeated.
He said, “I’m rooted in the present; it’s not something I look at, historical facts.
History is less significant because both starting lineups feature many new players.
“(The Olympics) were two years ago; it’s all about the physical and mental shape we’re in right now,” he continued.
