South Africa's World Cup journey has come to an abrupt end after a two-nil defeat to Netherlands on Sunday.
South Africa head home after defeat to Netherlands in World Cup
Netherlands' forward #07 Lineth Beerensteyn (R) scores her team's second goal during Women's World Cup round of 16 match against South Africa in Sydney on August 6, 2023
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Jill Roord gave the Netherlands a lead in the opening stages of the last 16 encounter w ith Lineth Beerensteyn securing the second goal in the second half due a blunder by South African keeper Kaylin Swart.
The Netherlands are now two wins from reaching back-to-back finals in the tournament.
South Africa had already exceeded expectations by advancing to the knockout stage and each of the South African players will head home with $50,000.
The Netherlands will now take on Spain on August 11 while Banyana Banyana will be looking at their next chance of World Cup glory in 2027.