Netherlands break South African hearts in 2-0 victory to progress to last-8

A hard-fought victory for the Oranje; Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Sydney, Australia: The second matchday of the round of 16 matches saw Netherlands face off against South Africa, the former edging past for a 2-0 victory at the Allianz Stadium, Sydney. A far from comfortable affair for the 2019 finalists, they were at the receiving end of fast-paced counter offence from South Africa, but ultimately prevailed with Manchester City-bound Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn of Juventus fame.

The Dutch, finalists in the 2019 edition of the tournament, would look to go one step better than the last time, but would be denied the services of Danielle Van de Donk, her second yellow card of the tournament earning her suspension. 

"We have this conviction, it's not the last game for Danielle. It's very disappointing she got a yellow card but we can't change it," said head coach Andries Jonker.

Their ambitions also face difficult opposition in Spain, with the quarter-finals match between the two scheduled on Friday in Wellington, New Zealand.

The 54th ranked South African side were intent on continuing their hot streak as giant-slayers, eliminating Italy in their previous game, and the first quarter of the hour was successful in that regard. Banyana Banyana were proactive, disciplined and spirited in their defending, forcing turnovers to launch counter-attacks, with pacey striker Thembi Kgatlana often at the helm. 

The almighty Oranje looked rather shaky, but goalie Daphne Van Domselaar was in commendable form, there to deny Kgatlana on numerous occasions. "Daphne saved us a few times." quipped Jonker.

In contrast to South Africa, the Dutch made the most of their first chance in the 9th minute, as a corner headed by Danielle Van de Donk towards goal bounced off Lebohang Ramalepe, with an unmarked Jill Roord nodding the loose ball into the net.

The perfect gift for Roord; Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

South Africa were caught off-guard but not dejected, as they continued to pile on pressure and test Van Domselaar, but the Dutch would gradually reclaim control over the tie, leaving less spaces to be exploited and being sharper on the offence. 

Desperate to steer away any danger, Jermaine Seoposenwe took too much of a beating after a tackle and was subbed off shortly, with Bambanani Mbane also twisting her ankle later and getting stretchered off; two injuries with massive implications for the South Africans.

With problems compounding and the Dutch growing in confidence, Kgatlana would continue to lead the charge, being at the end of a through ball from Matlou in the 35th minute, her shot eking out another great save from Van Domselaaar.

Van Domselaar seemed to have 8 arms; Jose Breton/Getty Images

Ending the first half on a positive note, South Africa's relentless offence was dampened in the majority of the second half, with the Dutch ironing out any wrinkles for their opposition to exploit. Their reward, as it seemed, arrived promptly, after some link-up play had Lieke Martens swivel to beat her marker and score from close range in the 54th minute. The goal would be disallowed, as Victoria Petova was offside before she crossed the ball to Martens.

They would get their second in the 68th minute, with Martens setting Beerenstyn free with a through ball. Rushing off her line, Swart would fail to catch an overambitious shot from Beerenstyn, and watch the ball bounce into the net in agony. 

Opposite fortunes for Van Domselaar’s counterpart; Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images

South Africa would be quick to respond, as Linda Motlhalo's shot five minutes later would be aimed for the bottom-right corner, but Van Domselaar would barely get her fingertips on it to deny Motlhalo. Van Domselaar would be at the scene again, as Kgatlana's deflected shot in stoppage time headed towards goal, but the Dutch goalie refused to let go of a well-earned clean sheet.

"We were calmer about it," as Jonker applauded his team's performance in the second half. "That was also the message at half-time, that we played against ourselves instead of against South Africa.”

"As a group we need to hold our heads up high," said manager Desiree Ellis. "When we reached the last 16 the whole country went crazy and I'm expecting them to go crazy when we get back as well."