South Africa won fans, Netherlands won what mattered

The second day of the Spherical of 16 was a harsh lesson in a few soccer truths. The US discovered that generally ball can lie as a result of it’s a devious kind. South Africa discovered that in the event you don’t make the most of the moments you will have, the opposite group at this stage will and also you’ll be going house. Let’s make it occur, captain.

Sport of the day: Netherlands 2 – 0 South Africa

This match has been stuffed with underdogs which have received the hearts of neutrals, which is what has made it so enjoyable, and definitely South Africa was one in every of them. It made for a extra raucous ambiance in Sydney as nicely, as a result of a number of USWNT followers confirmed up anticipating it to be the place the Yanks landed within the Spherical of 16, solely to search out the Dutch and South Africa had stolen the invites. There was no method these folks had been going to be cheering on Netherlands, who had helped sentence the US to being away from there, so it was virtually a house sport for Bayana Bayana.

South Africa’s plan wasn’t something we hadn’t seen earlier than, one which had boxed up Italy and mailed them to Timbuktu in addition to given Sweden all it may deal with. They ceded the ball to the Dutch, hoping to attract them an increasing number of ahead, leaving extra space for Thembi Kgatlana to romp by means of on the counter. South Africa was very happy to let her go 1-on-2 and even 1-on-3 so long as there was house, and she or he actually threw a fright into the Netherlands all through the primary half:

The issue is all these runs matter much less once you’re already trailing 1-0, which is able to occur when a group defends a nook like this:

Might Jill Roord have missed this if she wished to?

The Dutch acquired awfully conservative after that by means of the remainder of the half, which solely acquired extra conservative with each time Kgatlana ran at them. However, at this very prime stage, if one doesn’t make the probabilities rely, and South Africa didn’t, the opponent has somebody who will make you pay. Which meant South Africa was at all times going to be ready for Lieke Martens to do one thing like this to ship Lineth Beerensteyn by means of:

Sure, a goalkeeping error. However one has to smile at a wily and well-versed Martens seeing Kgatlana operating all around the subject after which exhibiting everybody that she will create the identical likelihood with two touches and never even shifting. Sport, set, match.

So the Netherlands toddles on to face Spain, and the extra direct methodology of attacking that the latter confirmed towards Switzerland by means of Alba Redondo and Esther Gonzalez within the frontline shall be a real check. Bear in mind the Dutch had been up towards it versus the US when the latter belatedly acquired one thing of their act collectively. The Dutch can even be with out Daniëlle van de Donk thanks to a suspension, and being with out a first-choice central midfielder might be not what you need when Aitana Bonmati walks out of the tunnel to play you.

Different outcomes: Sweden 0 – 0 USA (Sweden goes by means of on penalties)

We did this already!

Objective of the day

Simply need to see Martens’s move once more:

How is that this nonetheless a factor?

Talking of van de Donk’s suspension, how is getting two yellows over 4 matches worthy of a suspension in a brief match? The yellow card rule within the group stage has at all times been unfairly harsh and deprives groups of necessary gamers for probably the most essential matches. The US needed to go with out Rose Lavelle towards Sweden (which really necessitated a vital formation change, however ignore that for a second) due to one rash problem and one unhealthy refereeing choice. Playing cards in consecutive video games? Okay, may see that being worthy of a one-gamer. However two in three or particularly two in 4? That hardly signifies a reckless participant reenacting “Falling Down.” It’s been an issue for many years and but there’s been little to no push to vary it.

Did Alexei Lalas or Carli Lloyd say something silly?

Properly positive!

One other word on Fox broadcasting: John Sturdy is an excellent play–by–play man who in all probability ought to have been within the prime spot for this match over JP Dellacamera’s have to fill each clean house by saying one thing. Nonetheless, Sturdy’s pleasure over South Africa and their efficiency bordered on patronizing.

It’s one factor to get excited and lift one’s voice as an announcer when Kgatlana is bursting into the field or getting a shot on purpose. It’s one other to do the identical when she’s getting fouled out close to the centerline as if he was amazed South Africa held onto the ball or usual something in any respect. This occurred a pair instances all through the match. These are execs, in spite of everything. Not the whole lot that occurs at this match must be offered to us like a carny. Simply let the match breathe a bit.

Additionally, he’s in all probability doing a bit at this level, however saving your signature name of “45 minutes within the books, 45 to go!” proper as we’re all getting as much as take a piss at halftime might be not probably the most well-timed spot to attempt to juice everybody up once more.

Comply with Sam on Twitter @Felsgate and on Bluesky @Felsgate.bsky.social