Day 14 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup sent four more teams packing. South Africa earned a stunning 3-2 win Wednesday to secure its first-ever last-16 spot, while Sweden continued to dominate Group G. Despite the success of these two nations, Italy and Argentina bowed out of the tournament.
In Group F action, Jamaica advanced to the knockouts for the first time in its history, but sent Brazil home in the process. Despite scoring a trio of goals against Les Bleues, Panama’s loss gave France the top spot in the group.
THE RESULTS
GROUP G: South Africa 3, Italy 2 (in Wellington) — Game stats || Report
GROUP G: Argentina 0, Sweden 2 (in Hamilton) — Game stats || Report
GROUP F: Jamaica 0, Brazil 0 (in Melbourne) — Game stats || Report
GROUP F: Panama 3, France 6 (in Sydney) — Game stats || Report
MAIN TALKING POINTS
South Africa stuns Italy to book first-ever knockout appearance
In a dramatic back-and-forth match, South Africa made history by securing its first-ever Women’s World Cup win and Round of 16 appearance.
The Italians opened the scoring when Arianna Caruso found the net from the penalty spot after Chiara Beccari was brought down in the box. South Africa levelled after 32 minutes when Benedetta Orsi’s misplaced pass trickled past her own goalkeeper.
Halfway through the second half, Hildah Magaia cleverly slid the ball past Francesca Durante’s outstretched hands to give Banyana Banyana a second.
Caruso equalized for Le Azzure in the 74th minute, but Thembi Kgatlana became the hero when her one-touch shot found the bottom left corner in the second minute of extra time. The goal sent shockwaves through Wellington Regional Stadium and South Africa manager Desiree Ellis, who jumped for joy on the sideline. The history makers will take on the Netherlands in the knockouts.
While the World Cup journey has ended for Italy, credit must be given to Milena Bertolini’s side for a hard-fought battle.
Second half Swedish brace sends Argentina packing
After a 2-0 win over Argentina, Sweden topped Group G and set a last-16 meeting with Women’s World Cup title holders U.S.
Peter Gerhardsson made nine changes to the Blågult's starting XI, but his second string still managed to get the job done. After a rocky first half, Rebecka Blomqvist broke the deadlock after heading home a perfect Sofia Jakobsson cross.
As the clock reached the final seconds, Argentina’s Gabriela Chavez committed a foul when attempting to defend a corner kick. BK Häcken midfielder Elin Rubensson converted the penalty in stoppage time to give the Swedes three wins in three group stage matches.
With the loss, Argentina’s wait for their first Women’s World Cup win continues. This was their 12th match (three draws, nine losses) without success at the tournament.
“We’re proud of the players, they gave it their all. We can sleep at ease. Of course we’re sad, that’s football. But our heads are very high, and we’ll continue down this pathway,” Argentina coach Germán Portanova said after the match.
Brazil makes group stage exit for first time since 1995
For the first time since the 1995 Women’s World Cup, Brazil has failed to qualify for the knockouts.
A 0-0 draw with Jamaica left the Selecao third in Group F. Shock and tears from the Brazilian players erupted after the match, especially from football legend Marta, who previously announced this will be her final World Cup.
However, there’s reason to celebrate for the Reggae Girlz. For the first time in its program history, Jamaica has advanced to the Round of 16. They’re also the first Caribbean nation to reach the knockouts.
Lorne Donalson’s side earned a scoreless draw after an outstanding defensive display. They join Switzerland and Japan as the three nations who have yet to concede a goal in this year's tournament.
GOAL OF THE DAY
Panama’s Marta Cox scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far from a soaring free-kick. When the ball found the top left corner, tears streamed down the 26-year-old’s face, who was surrounded by her ecstatic teammates. The sublime strike was Las Canaleras’ first-ever goal at the Women’s World Cup.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We know that no one gave us a chance today, but we knew what we were capable of and fought like warriors out there ... this is for everyone back home,” South Africa manager Desiree Ellis said after the match.
FAN OF THE DAY
This Swedish fan proudly wore their Blågult-inspired outfit to the team’s match against Argentina. Featuring a Viking helmet and the Swedish flag painted on her face, this fan made her love for the Blue and Yellow known.
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1. Thembi Kgatlana, South Africa: The 27-year-old’s added-time goal sent South Africa to their first-ever Women’s World Cup knockout game. “I represent every single girl who wanted to be here [at the World Cup],” she said in a post-game interview.
2. Rebecka Blomqvist, Sweden: The VfL Wolfsburg forward’s 66th-minute header gave the Blågult much-needed momentum in the second half. The 26-year-old timed her run to perfection to give the Swedes a 1-0 lead.
3. Kadidiatou Diani, France: Diani became the first female French player to score a hat trick in the World Cup during their fixture with Panama. The Paris Saint-Germain forward converted two penalties and a close-range shot in Les Bleues’ 6-3 win.
LOOKING AHEAD
The group stage will come to a close tomorrow when Korea Republic takes on Germany at 6 a.m. ET / 3 a.m. PT in Brisbane. At the same time, Morocco will face Colombia in Perth to determine who advances to the knockouts from Group H.
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