2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Netherlands 2-0 South Africa
One of Africa’s representatives in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has bid goodbye to the tournament.
South Africa couldn’t match up to the quality of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup runners-up and they ultimately crashed out of the Mundial.
Manchester City’s Jill Roord scored the opening goal of the game in the 8th minute, heading home from less than 6 yards.
Roord took her goals tally to 4 for the tournament as she has virtually scored in every game so far except in the Netherlands’ opening game against America.
The 26-year-old is 2nd on the goals chart, 1 goal behind Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa, who scored a goal in her country’s round of 16 victory against Norway.
Andries Jonker’s side exhibited outstanding domination over the Bayana Bayana as they put their quality on display across the entire 90 minutes and added time.
Juventus’ forward Lineth Beerensteyn doubled Oranje’s advantage in the 68th minute off a shot from outside the box.
That goal was a comical one as it was a clanger from the South African Kaylin Swart of South Africa.
Desiree Ellis side bow out of the tournament in the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but they would be proud of themselves after making history by qualifying for the knockout phase.
Netherlands V South Africa Stats
The Oranje had 70% possession to the Netherlands 30%, which showed their dominance in the game.
In terms of shots, both nations were not far apart as the Netherlands had 14 shots while South Africa had 13.
For Shots on target, the Netherlands had 6, while the African Women’s Cup Of Nation Champions had 7.
Referee Yoshimi Yamashita dished out only one yellow card in the game and it was shown to Danielle van der Donk of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands will now battle Spain in the quarter-final on the 11th of August 2023 for a place in the last 4.
About 40,233 spectators attended the encounter at the Sydney Football Stadium in Australia.
Sweden 0-0 United States Of America
Sweden 5-4 United States Of America (Penalties)
It was a game filled with intense battles and a show of grit as much as anything. Both teams gave their all but one team edged it at the end.
Sweden were playing against the United States Of America for the 2nd tournament in a row, having played them in the group stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
America defeated Sweden in the 2019 edition of the tournament by 2-0 but the 2003 World Cup runners-up were determined not to lose in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Following 120 minutes of intense and grueling action, the game had to be settled via penalties.
Peter Gerhardsson’s side appeared to be more calmer and had better composure in the shoot-out and they ultimately defeated the 4-time Champions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Blue and Yellow bundles out Vlatko Andonovski’s side in what should be the most shocking result of the tournament.
The stars and stripes have never finished below third place in history prior to this tournament but Sweden’s efforts have made that happen.
French high-profile refree Stephanie Frappart was chosen to officiate the clash and she did an impressive job with the whistle.
She handed out only two yellow cards throughout regulation time and extra time, and it was dished out to Kosovare Asllani of Sweden and Julie Ertz of America.
