Netherlands wins with problems
Bad blunder destroys South Africa’s World Cup dream
08/06/2023 06:58 am
The footballers of the Netherlands can still hope for the first World Cup title in their history. At the World Cup, the team of former Bundesliga coach Andries Jonker beat South Africa in the round of 16. A top team is waiting for the next round.
The vice world champions from the Netherlands moved into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a work win. The Oranje team won their round of 16 against South Africa in Sydney 2-0 (1-0) on Sunday and will now meet Spain in Wellington, New Zealand on Friday. “Banyana Banyana” was weakened early on, however, as first Jermaine Seoposenwe (30′) and then Bambanani Mbane (42′) had to leave the field with injuries.
The ex-Wolfsburg player Roord (9th) brought the favorites on course early with a dust-off after a corner, for the ManCity player it was already the fourth tournament goal. Former Bayern striker Lineth Beerensteyn (68′) increased after a serious mistake by South Africa’s goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. The actually harmless shot slipped through her hands and from there into the goal.
After the early lead, however, the choice of Bonds coach Andries Jonker revealed problems on the offensive. The defense around VfL defender Dominique Janssen also had to be on guard, because South Africa switched dangerously quickly, especially through captain Thembi Kgatlana. After the change of sides, there was initially a similar picture. Oranje had a lot of ball possession, but hardly made any dangerous shots. Then keeper Swart helped out with Beerensteyn’s long-range shot when she let the incoming ball slip through.
Against Spain, the Netherlands have to do without a regular player in midfield. Danielle van de Donk received her second yellow card of the tournament in the round of 16 and is suspended in the round of eight.