Women’s World Cup: What’s at stake, when & were to watch as ‘underdogs’ South Africa issue warning to the Dutch

South Africa face the Netherlands in the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a place in the quarter-final at stake.

Banyana Banyana are in the knockout round for just their second tournament and they come up against a formidable side who reached the 2019 final before going down to holders the United States of America.

However, even with the underdogs tag, South Africa coach Desiree Ellis is bullish, saying the Dutch do not know who they are facing ahead of Sunday morning’s clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.

What have they said?

"We've been underestimated so many times before, yet this group has shown that nothing can stand in their way," Ellis said.

"This group has shown that when the chips are down, they can stand up. We know who we're playing, but they don't know who they are playing.

"When the chips have been down, this group has shown they can and will get better. All I can say is that there's going to be a match on Sunday."

Form book

An unbeaten group stage (won two, drew one) saw the Netherlands top Group E. The top-ten nation will kick off in Sydney as clear favourites against the lowest-ranked team to reach the knockout phase, and should be suitably energised since their 7-0 win over Vietnam was little more than a training exercise against extremely weak opposition.

While the Dutch should find South Africa more of a challenge, they have proved they can produce resounding victories on a consistent basis.

Within their preceding 10-game form overall (won seven, drew one, lost one), the Netherlands boast five wins that came by a margin of over three goals. The last four of those particular wins notably saw the Dutch score multiple goals after half-time, showcasing how they grow into games.

Already confirmed as the only side to see both teams score in every group game, South Africa had to show that in abundance during Wednesday’s action, as they pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory against an Italian side sitting just seven places beneath the Dutch in FIFA’s rankings. A post-hour mark goal and assist from Thembi Kgatlana clinched the points to make history.

Players to watch

Netherlands’ Esmee Brugts netted a brace against Vietnam, with all five of her previous goalscoring internationals seeing the Dutch end up with a clean sheet.

Also in rich form at present, South Africa’s Hildah Magaia combined twice with Kgatlana against Italy, and currently stands on five goals in six games.

Where and when to watch

The match will kick off at 5am Kenyan time and will be broadcasted live on SuperSport TV.