(Wellington and Hamilton, New Zealand) Thembi Kgatlana found the back of the net early in second-half stoppage time and South Africa beat Italy 3-2 in a Cup Group G match Women’s Soccer World Cup, Wednesday in Wellington, New Zealand.
With this victory, South Africa (1-1-1 -4 pts) finished second in their group and reached the knockout phase of this tournament for the first time in their history.
Italy (1-2-0 -3 pts) was eliminated, when it only needed a draw verdict to continue on its way.
On an evening marked by cold weather and moments of high intensity, Hilda Magaia hit the target in the 67th minute to give South Africa a 2-1 lead, before Italy equalized the score thanks to Arianna Caruso’s second goal of the match, in the 74th minute.
Caruso, on an 11th-minute penalty, and an own goal from Italy’s Benedetta Orsi in the 32nd minute saw the two clubs end the first half tied 1-1.
Following their win, South Africa will play Group E winners Netherlands on Sunday.
The game-winning goal came two minutes into stoppage time, on the heels of extraordinary moments: South Africa were leading and looked set to qualify, Italy equalized and in turn looked set to go. qualify, then South Africa scored again.
Jermaine Seoposenwe came forward and crossed the ball towards midfielder Magaia who, instead of shooting, crossed towards Kgatlana who scored the goal.
“They call me the breadwinner, so without a breadwinner there is no bread,” said Magaia, who was voted player of the match. “I had to provide bread for the nation. »
“It means a lot, especially when you know you were so close to going home. It is very moving. »
The tension continued during stoppage time, which lasted more than 11 minutes, and then the game was over. Some South African players danced, many kissed. Others, including Kgatlana, seemed overwhelmed with emotion.
The Italian players remained seated or landed on their feet when the final whistle sounded.
For their part, Sweden completed a perfect preliminary phase with a 2-0 victory against Argentina in a disputed duel in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Rebecka Blomqvist broke the tie in the 66th minute and Elin Rubensson sealed the match by converting a penalty during stoppage time.
“We played with patience today. For sure we wanted to score goals and create chances,” said Blomqvist.
“I also think we felt like the chances were coming and when they did, you had to be ready and not show frustration,” added the Swede.
Sweden (3-0-0 -9 points), who rested nine usual starting players to start the match, will face the United States, second in Group E and two-time defending champions, on Sunday.
This will be the seventh duel between these two nations at the Women’s World Cup, which equals a record at this tournament.
Limited to a 2-2 draw against South Africa last Friday, Argentina (0-2-1-1 point) were excluded from the knockout stage for the fourth time in as many tournament appearances (2003 , 2007 and 2019).
The Argentines have never won a game in the Women’s World Cup.
“We are proud of the players; they gave everything. We can sleep in peace. Of course we are sad; it’s soccer. But we hold our heads very high and we will continue on this road,” Argentina coach German Portanova said of the loss and his team’s journey.
