South Africa and Italy both had the chance to advance to the round of 16 of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. South Africa needed to win and for Italy a cross was enough – as long as Argentina did not defeat Sweden.
And it started in the best way for the Italians who took the lead already after ten minutes through Arianna Caruso from the penalty spot.
After that, it was all fun for Italy.
Just over half an hour in, WC debutant Benedetta Orsi made a serious blunder when she passed the ball into her own goal – unaware that goalkeeper Francesca Durante had positioned herself incorrectly.
In the second half, South Africa took the lead in the 67th minute. Hildah Magaia pulled deep and coolly placed the ball to make it 2–1.
But the joy of the lead goal was short-lived – minutes later Cristiana Girelli made it 2-2, and for a long time it looked like it would end in a draw.
But in the 93rd minute, South Africa countered and Thembi Kgatlana was able to make it 3-2 from close range.
South Africa thus joins Sweden from the group to the round of 16, where the Netherlands awaits on Sunday at 04:00 Swedish time.