NEW ZEALAND: South Africa won its first Women’s World Cup match in Wellington with a last-second goal from Thembi Kgatlana. Italy’s defeat advanced them to the round of 16, but a save by the referee sent the team to Sydney for the Netherlands match. Caruso’s goal in the 74th minute gave Italy a crucial draw, but missed opportunities left them uncertain.
In the 10th minute, Chiara Beccari was tripped well inside the penalty area by Karabo Dhlamini, and Caruso confidently converted the penalty shot into the bottom-left corner for Milena Bertolini’s team’s first goal.
Benedetta Orsi, who failed to look for Francesca Durante, her custodian, before passing the ball back, scored a spectacular own goal in the 32nd minute to tie the score for South Africa.
South Africa took the lead in the 67th minute with Kgatlana’s inside pass, allowing Hildah Magaia to score. Caruso scored a corner-time goal seven minutes later. Italy held on for a point, but Kgatlana’s goal secured second place in the group, behind Sweden.
When Magaia’s pass reached Kgatlana in the area, the striker hammered the ball into the goal to secure second place in the group behind Sweden just as it appeared that Italy may hold on for a draw in a frenetic finish.
She suffered an achilles injury in 2022, preventing her from playing for 10 months and almost missing her second World Cup. Despite the injury, Kgatlana returned to play for South Africa, representing all girls and making history with the girls.
The women’s team, led by coach Desiree Ellis, faced a formidable opponent who was not as fast as they were. They fought like warriors, aiming to make history by gaining their first victory and advancing to the round of 16, said Ellis.
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