A goal in stoppage time from Thembi Kgatlana gave South Africa victory over Italy to qualify them for the first time in their history for the round of 16 of the World Cup. In a night of great drama and low temperatures, South Africa, number 54 in the world ranking, achieved its first victory in a World Cup on the indicated day.
A draw would have been enough to put Italy through the knockout rounds. Instead, it will be South Africa who plays the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Sunday. For its part, Sweden finished top of Group G after beating Argentina 2-0 and will now play defending champions United States.
A Karabo Dhlamini penalty on Chiara Beccarri was used by Caruso to score the first goal of the match. After half an hour, Benedetta Orsi tied the game with an own goal. Italy dominated the game and was the one who had the chances, but South Africa had the majority in the stands.
Already in the second there was an unexpected outcome. Magaia put South Africa ahead and just five minutes later Caruso tied the game again. That result allowed the transalpines to be in the round of 16. But in 1991 and against the odds Thembi Kgatlana worked the miracle.
South Africa, who will play the Netherlands next Sunday, have already made an indelible mark on the tournament. Always cheering, he projects the joy of being on a big stage. The South African players danced and sang before Wednesday’s game in their locker room and on the pitch as they warmed up. In the end, they unleashed a party that will continue next Sunday.
