Netherlands vs South Africa: Title contenders take on history makers
A David vs Goliath clash appears to be on the cards as the Netherlands face South Africa in the round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. When the groupings were announced, certainly most people would never have fathomed that this would be the billing of this matchup. South Africa, who are making their second World Cup appearance, were dumped out of the group stage four years ago without picking up a single win. Banyana Banyana were placed in a tricky quartet, alongside top three side Sweden as well as Argentina and Italy, and while the Azzurre haven’t really impressed in their last World Cups, many pundits expected them to progress while South Africa and Argentina would battle it out for third place.
However, one of the beautiful things about football is its tendency to throw up surprises, and this summer’s World Cup certainly has done that in spades.
South Africa’s amazing journey: Where next for Banyana Banyana?
South Africa, who also won their first AFCON title last year, started off their World Cup competition on a rocky note, as they were beaten 2-1 by Sweden. They also suffered another hiccup after throwing away a two goal lead to draw Argentina 1-1, meaning that they needed a win over Italy on matchday three to progress. It appeared that the stars were aligned in their favor, as they edged out the Azzurre 3-2 to secure a first-ever spot in the round of 16 and while they are the clear underdogs, they will certainly approach this game with no fear as they have nothing to lose.
Desiree Ellis’s team have already made history by getting to this juncture, as they are the first South African side (both men’s and women’s) to qualify for the knockout rounds at the World Cup. Many of these players have had to overcome great adversity, both at personal and professional level, so to get this far will certainly mean a lot to the team and their supporters. They will definitely approach their upcoming match with no fear, as the onus is on the Netherlands to win, and will be expected to try to cause the Oranje as many problems as possible. Whether they will be able to pull off an even bigger upset – as the Netherlands are a much better team than Italy – remains to be seen, but whatever the result, South Africa will certainly do their best to make their supporters proud.
The Netherlands: A golden opportunity
Meanwhile, the Netherlands, who finished as runners-up four years ago, have a golden opportunity to go one step further. As a result of topping their quartet, which also included reigning champions USA, the Oranje have avoided a much tougher round of 16 tie against Sweden. Their last meeting with South Africa went as expected, with the Netherlands cruising to a 5-1 victory, and they are expected to dominate much of Saturday’s game. During the group stages, they steadily grew in confidence, first opening with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portugal, before holding the USA to a 1-1 draw and finally ending the campaign with a 7-0 mauling of debutants Vietnam.
The absence of striker Vivianne Miedema was a major concern heading into this contest, but so far, the Netherlands have shown that they do have the attacking options available to cause any opponent some major issues, with five different players all on the score-sheet during the 7-0 win over Vietnam. With the USA struggling, and heavyweights like Germany and Brazil on early flights home after being dumped out in the group stage, the pool has gotten a lot more interesting – and could present an opportunity for the Netherlands to get their hands on the coveted title.
Of course, there are other huge teams, including EURO winners England and a Sweden side who have been quite impressive, while France is always a team who has the potential to have their say. But all in all, the Netherlands will definitely be a bit relieved that they have been given a seemingly more favorable pick in the round of 16, thus avoiding Sweden until possibly later in the competition.
On Saturday, two teams will different goals will square off for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. Will South Africa’s historical story add another chapter? Or will the Netherlands sweep them aside as they look to march towards the final?
