Netherlands vs South Africa – Round of 16 – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Netherlands vs South Africa on and what time does it start? Netherlands vs South Africa will take place on Sunday 6th August, 2023 – 03:00 (UK)
Where is Netherlands vs South Africa taking place? Netherlands vs South Africa will take place at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia
Where can I get tickets for Netherlands vs South Africa? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Netherlands vs South Africa
What channel is Netherlands vs South Africa on in the UK? Netherlands vs South Africa will be televised live on BBC One
Where can I stream Netherlands vs South Africa in the UK? Netherlands vs South Africa can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
NETHERLANDS
- Netherlands head into the knockout stage as Group E winners and with bucketloads of confidence following their seven-goal thrashing of Vietnam, giving everyone a stark reminder that they are a formidable side capable of going all the way.
- In a welcome boost for the Dutch, defender Stefanie van der Gragt was able to recover from her knock sustained vs United States to feature against Vietnam and after coming through that one unscathed, is expected to take her place in the centre of defence for this contest.
SOUTH AFRICA
- A thrilling final group game ended in elation for South Africa and devastation for Italy, the former scoring in the 92nd minute to make it 3-2 and send themselves through to the Round of 16, knocking out ‘Le Azzurre’ in the process.
- Coming into this match, ‘Banyana Banyana’ are sweating over the fitness of captain Refiloe Jane, who was stretched off against Argentina and missed the victory over Italy, although the South African team doctor has stated that her injury is “minor”, which will no doubt increase hope among fans that she will be able to take part in this one.
THE TEAM NEWS
NETHERLANDS
PREDICTED XI (3-1-4-2): Van Domselaar; Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen; Groenen; Pelova, Brugts, Roord, Van de Donk; Snoeijs, Martens
UNAVAILABLE: Miedema (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Beerensteyn (Fitness)
SOUTH AFRICA
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Swart; Ramalepe, Mbane, Gamede, Holweni; Cesane, Jane, Motlhalo, Magaia; Kgatlana, Seoposenwe
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Dhlamani (Injured), Jane (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- The Netherlands are facing African opposition for only the second time in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The previous occasion was a 3-1 victory against Cameroon in the 2019 group stage.
- The Netherlands have won eight and drawn one of their last ten FIFA Women’s World Cup matches (W8 D1 L1).
- The Netherlands have kept four clean sheets in their last six FIFA Women’s World Cup matches.
- Lieke Martens 8th minute goal against Vietnam is the fastest scored by the Netherlands in a FIFA Women's World Cup match.
- When she opened the scoring against Vietnam, Lieke Martens became the first player to score in three editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the Netherlands (2015, 2019, 2023).
- Against Vietnam, Esmee Brugts, aged 20 years and 4 days, became the youngest player to score a FIFA Women’s World Cup goal for the Netherlands, surpassing Jill Roord who was 22 years and 50 days when she played against New Zealand in 2019.
- In their 7-0 win against Vietnam, Wieke Kaptein, aged 17 years and 337 days, became the youngest player to make an appearance for the Netherlands in a FIFA Women's World Cup match.
- This is the first time South Africa have progressed to the knockout stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in what is their second participation.
- South Africa’s 3-2 victory against Italy was their first ever win in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match.
- South Africa have scored in each of their three matches at the 2023 finals.
- This is South Africa’s seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup fixture and fifth against a European nation.
THE PREDICTION
Having scored at least once in each of their three group stage fixtures, racking up six goals in total, no one can doubt the attacking firepower of South Africa. However, their backline has proven weak in contrast, conceding twice in all those three matches and against a side of Netherlands’ efficiency and potency going forward, that doesn’t bode well. The Dutch have won each of the previous seven meetings between these two nations in all competitions (including friendlies) and should have the edge in terms of firepower. Whilst they’ll need to be at their best defensively, expect Netherlands to come through and gain victory.
TIP: NETHERLANDS TO WIN
