The Netherlands break South African hearts at FIFA Women's World Cup

Banyana Banyana reached the Rond of 16 for the first time at the global showpiece, but their dream was ended by a classy Dutch side.

While South Africa provided the first shot on target, the Dutch were quick to respond, forcing a superb save from Banyana Banyana stopper Kaylin Swart who tipped a curing effort over the bar.

In the ensuing corner, a great first touch was stopped on the line by defender Lebogang Ramalepe but in the goalmouth scramble, Jill Roord headed home to open the scoring in the ninth minute.

Unfazed, South Africa continued to press but could not hold onto the ball, the plucky Dutch defence proving resolute. There was confusion in the South African ranks when Jermaine Seoposenwane was taken off injured, forcing them to play with ten women for a significant period while the team doctor attempted to work their magic. Unfortunately, the playmaker was eventually replaced.

Taking advantage, the Lionesses almost doubled their lead midway through the opening stanza, with a powerful shot from Danielle van der Donk drawing a good save from Swart.

South Africa made the most of the little ball they had and their aggression on attack nearly paid off in the closing stages.

Thembi Kgatlana reminded the Dutch that she is a threat, showing off with a couple of stepovers before firing a sharp shot that was safely parried by Daphne van Domselaar.

Later, Kgatlana showed her pace to get one-on-one with van Domselaar, who held her line to pull off a double save. In added time, a lightning counterattack from Banyana Banyana resulted in Kgatlana v van Domselaar once again, but the goalkeeper denied the equaliser.

Early in the second half, a great turn and shoot from Lieke Martens found the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed by VAR, which found the narrowest offside.

The Dutch continued to control proceedings, holding the ball for long periods of time, frustrating Banyana Banyana.

The pressure eventually told and tragedy struck for South Africa in the 68th minute. A superb through-ball found a streaking Lineth Beerensteyn, drawing out Swart. The winger struck a powerful effort that slipped through Swart’s arms and rolled agonisingly across the goal line.

At the other end of the park, a rare opportunity forced another save from van Domselaar, denying Linda Mothalo's low strike.

Beerensteyn would again find the back of the net in the latter stages, but was judged offside by the on-field linesperson.

Chasing the game, Banyana Banyana continued in vain to press high, but failed to produce any clear-cut chances as the Dutch wound down the clock to secure their quarter-final berth.

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