Netherlands 2-0 South Africa: Dutch earn quarter-final clash with Spain after hard-fought win in Sydney

The Netherlands marched into the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals by seeing off a spirited South Africa side with a 2-0 win in Sydney.

Goals from Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn either side of the break were enough to earn the 2019 runners-up a last-eight clash with Spain.

It marked the end of the road for South Africa, but Desiree Ellis underlined her pride after a tournament where they upset Italy and Argentina to reach the knockout stages.

“Very proud of these players. They gave their all today,” Ellis said.

“They know that they were in the game. And that’s what we said – we were going to come here and put up a fight and put in a game. South Africa can be very proud of this team.”

There was one sour note for the Dutch, as midfielder Danielle van de Donk picked up a booking that rules her out of the quarter-finals through suspension.

The Netherlands threatened early on when a dangerous effort almost looped under the bar, requiring a sharp reaction save from Kaylin Swart.

But the Dutch opened the scoring from the resulting corner; an initial header was hooked off the line at the front post but Roord was on hand to nod in the rebound.

The striker is now her country’s all-time top scorer in the Women’s World Cup with five goals.

South Africa responded superbly as a duel between Thembi Kgatlana and Oranje Leeuwinnen goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar broke out.

The pacy forward was denied three times before the break as Banyana Banyana pushed for an equaliser.

The Netherlands thought they had found a bit of breathing space when Lieke Martens fired home, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

But a howler from South Africa keeper Swart saw the Dutch double their lead in the 68th minute, as she let Beerensteyn’s shot squirm through her arms.

There was one more chance for Van Domselaar to impress in the Dutch goal, as she flew to her left to fingertip a Linda Motlhalo effort wide of the post.

"We gave the ball away so often, then they were dangerous, but luckily we have a top keeper,” said Netherlands coach Anndries Jonker.

“Today she really showed that she is a top talent. We knew that, but it is always nice when it is confirmed.”

The Netherlands face Spain in Wellington on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

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