South Africa 3-2 Italy: Shock as Italy knocked out and South Africa progress to last-16 with first World Cup win
In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, South Africa’s women’s football team has secured their spot in the last 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, claiming a historic victory over Italy with a thrilling 3-2 win in Wellington.
Thembi Kgatlana’s incredible 92nd-minute goal sealed the deal for South Africa.
Italy had fought back to level the score with an Arianna Caruso header, but it was not enough to keep them in the tournament. A draw would have been sufficient for Italy to advance to the knockout rounds, but it was South Africa’s day to shine.
South Africa’s women’s team has come a long way since their debut appearance at the tournament in 2019, where they faced disappointment with three group match losses. Fast forward to the present, and they have earned a well-deserved point in a 2-2 draw with Argentina and now a stunning victory over Italy.
South Africa shine against Italy
The match against Italy was a rollercoaster of emotions. Italy got off to a flying start as they were awarded a penalty early on when Karabo Dhlamini tripped teenage sensation Chiara Beccari inside the box. The referee initially awarded a free-kick, but thanks to VAR the foul was correctly determined to be inside the penalty area, and Caruso made no mistake in converting the spot-kick.
South Africa was gifted an equaliser when Benedetta Orsi, playing in her first World Cup match, made a costly mistake, sending a no-look back pass to an unexpecting Francesca Durante, who could only watch as the ball rolled into her own net. The game was back on, and South Africa seized the opportunity.
The turning point came when Kgatlana expertly threaded a pass through Italy’s defence, setting up Hildah Magaia for a sublime goal, putting South Africa in the lead.
However, Italy proved their resilience and determination to stay in the game. Caruso, who had already scored from the penalty spot, found the back of the net once again, this time from a corner.
With just moments left on the clock, South Africa conjured up one last burst of brilliance. Magaia, whose performance had been exceptional, sliced through Italy’s defence and squared the ball to Kgatlana, who coolly slotted it into the net, sparking scenes of jubilation among the South African players.
The goal – in the 92nd moment – booked South Africa’s spot in the last-16.
SA to face the Netherlands in last-16
South Africa now prepares to face the Netherlands – who topped Group E, on Sunday.
It promises to be a match filled with excitement, passion, and drama and for a World Cup that has already seen so many surprises, who knows what SA has in store for us.
