The Netherlands set up a heavyweight Women's World Cup quarter-final with Spain after ending South Africa's historic run with a 2-0 victory on Sunday.

The 2019 runners-up were efficient rather than scintillating in front of 40,000 in Sydney to ensure they would not become the latest victim of a shock at the tournament.

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Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way against a team ranked 45 places below them and featuring in the knockout rounds for the first time.

South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart then made a mess of an innocuous Lineth Beerensteyn shot midway through the second half to gift the Dutch a second.

The African champions will be kicking themselves after having numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes, almost all to their livewire captain Thembi Kgatlana.

The Netherlands will meet Spain on Friday in the last eight.

In an open start, the 54th-ranked South Africans had the first chance on six minutes but Kgatlana fired straight at goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar -- it was to become a theme.

The Dutch took the lead three minutes later, midfielder Roord nodding in from close range following a corner for her fourth goal of the tournament.

The striker Kgatlana, who scored the winner over Italy that gave South Africa their first win ever at the World Cup, was a constant threat with her pace.

Three more times in the first half the US-based Kgatlana could have scored.

Neutrals at Sydney Football Stadium got behind her team and there was a buzz of anticipation each time she ran with the ball.

On 12 minutes she sprinted away from a Dutch defence that was treading water and fizzed her effort just over the bar.

Danielle van de Donk should have got a second for the Netherlands but her tame effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper Swart, then Kgatlana rattled the Dutch once more with a mazy run and shot that stung the palms of Van Domselaar.

South Africa had already taken off injured forward Jermaine Seoposenwe and they lost Bambanani Mbane three minutes before the break when she was stretchered off with a badly hurt ankle.

If anything that spurred Desiree Ellis's side and Kgatlana surged through again but was foiled by Van Domselaar once more with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Moments before the break there was a repeat, the Dutch defence finding the 27-year-old Kgatlana too hot to handle but Van Domselaar standing firm.

The Dutch needed another goal after half-time or had to find a way to suffocate Kgatlana on South Africa's counter-attacks.

Nine minutes after the break coach Andries Jonker thought his side had their second but it was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The Dutch, who by now were dominating possession, got their second on 68 minutes when Swart's blunder let Beerensteyn's tame effort slip through her hands.

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The Netherlands set up a heavyweight Women's World Cup quarter-final with Spain after ending South Africa's historic run with a 2-0 victory on Sunday. The 2019 runners-up were efficient rather than scintillating in front of 40,000 in Sydney to ensure they would not become the latest victim of a shock at the tournament.

The Netherlands set up a heavyweight Women's World Cup quarter-final with Spain after ending South Africa's historic run with a 2-0 victory on Sunday. The 2019 runners-up were efficient rather than scintillating in front of 40,000 in Sydney to ensure they would not become the latest victim of a shock at the tournament. Also Read: Four-time Olympic champion Simone Biles makes triumphant return to gymnastics at US Classic Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way against a team ranked 45 places below them and featuring in the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart then made a mess of an innocuous Lineth Beerensteyn shot midway through the second half to gift the Dutch a second. The African champions will be kicking themselves after having numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes, almost all to their livewire captain Thembi Kgatlana. The Netherlands will meet Spain on Friday in the last eight. In an open start, the 54th-ranked South Africans had the first chance on six minutes but Kgatlana fired straight at goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar -- it was to become a theme. The Dutch took the lead three minutes later, midfielder Roord nodding in from close range following a corner for her fourth goal of the tournament. The striker Kgatlana, who scored the winner over Italy that gave South Africa their first win ever at the World Cup, was a constant threat with her pace. Three more times in the first half the US-based Kgatlana could have scored. Neutrals at Sydney Football Stadium got behind her team and there was a buzz of anticipation each time she ran with the ball. On 12 minutes she sprinted away from a Dutch defence that was treading water and fizzed her effort just over the bar. Danielle van de Donk should have got a second for the Netherlands but her tame effort was easily saved by the goalkeeper Swart, then Kgatlana rattled the Dutch once more with a mazy run and shot that stung the palms of Van Domselaar. South Africa had already taken off injured forward Jermaine Seoposenwe and they lost Bambanani Mbane three minutes before the break when she was stretchered off with a badly hurt ankle. If anything that spurred Desiree Ellis's side and Kgatlana surged through again but was foiled by Van Domselaar once more with only the goalkeeper to beat. Moments before the break there was a repeat, the Dutch defence finding the 27-year-old Kgatlana too hot to handle but Van Domselaar standing firm. The Dutch needed another goal after half-time or had to find a way to suffocate Kgatlana on South Africa's counter-attacks. Nine minutes after the break coach Andries Jonker thought his side had their second but it was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. The Dutch, who by now were dominating possession, got their second on 68 minutes when Swart's blunder let Beerensteyn's tame effort slip through her hands. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Women's World Cup: Netherlands halt South Africa's dream run, set up quarter-final with Spain

Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight.

Silver medallists at last year's Olympics, Sweden are the highest ranked team in the tournament, but failed to hit top gear in drawing with the Dutch and squeezing past the Swiss 2-1 in their opening two games.

Peter Gerhardsson's women clicked into gear in Leigh to claim top spot in Group C and were 3-0 up by half-time. Manchester City's Filippa Angeldal struck twice before Carole Costa headed into her own net in first half stoppage time.

Kosovare Asllani's penalty made it 4-0 before Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius finally got on the scoresheet after having two earlier efforts ruled out.

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Sweden will face whoever finishes second in Group D with Belgium, Iceland and Italy all in with a chance to finishing behind France in Monday's matches.

"We were really satisfied that we did enough to win the group. That was something we hoped for when we started," said Gerhardsson.

The Netherlands lie in wait for the French in the last eight as they had enough to get through despite missing star striker Vivianne Miedema for the second consecutive game due to a positive case of coronavirus.

"We're playing a big opponent and so are they. I don't think they want to play us," said Netherlands boss Mark Parsons, whose side lost 3-1 to France in February.

"The result wasn't what we wanted (last time), but we said that the next time we played them, we were confident that we would be better. We saw opportunity."

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In front of a new record crowd of 22,596 for a women's Euro group match not involving the hosts, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's own goal put the Dutch in front in Sheffield.

Switzerland responded almost immediately when Geraldine Reuteler coolly finished from Romana Bachmann's pull-back just three minutes later.

A draw would have been enough for Mark Parsons' side to reach the knockout stages, but they made sure of the three points with three goals in the final six minutes. Substitute Romee Leuchter struck twice, either side of Victoria Pelova's effort, which survived a lengthy VAR check for offside. 
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Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight.

Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight. Silver medallists at last year's Olympics, Sweden are the highest ranked team in the tournament, but failed to hit top gear in drawing with the Dutch and squeezing past the Swiss 2-1 in their opening two games. Peter Gerhardsson's women clicked into gear in Leigh to claim top spot in Group C and were 3-0 up by half-time. Manchester City's Filippa Angeldal struck twice before Carole Costa headed into her own net in first half stoppage time. Kosovare Asllani's penalty made it 4-0 before Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius finally got on the scoresheet after having two earlier efforts ruled out. Also Read: Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United confirmed as club agrees deal with Ajax to sign Argentine defender Sweden will face whoever finishes second in Group D with Belgium, Iceland and Italy all in with a chance to finishing behind France in Monday's matches. "We were really satisfied that we did enough to win the group. That was something we hoped for when we started," said Gerhardsson. The Netherlands lie in wait for the French in the last eight as they had enough to get through despite missing star striker Vivianne Miedema for the second consecutive game due to a positive case of coronavirus. "We're playing a big opponent and so are they. I don't think they want to play us," said Netherlands boss Mark Parsons, whose side lost 3-1 to France in February. "The result wasn't what we wanted (last time), but we said that the next time we played them, we were confident that we would be better. We saw opportunity." Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo likely to reject whopping $276 million per season offer from Saudi club - Report In front of a new record crowd of 22,596 for a women's Euro group match not involving the hosts, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's own goal put the Dutch in front in Sheffield. Switzerland responded almost immediately when Geraldine Reuteler coolly finished from Romana Bachmann's pull-back just three minutes later. A draw would have been enough for Mark Parsons' side to reach the knockout stages, but they made sure of the three points with three goals in the final six minutes. Substitute Romee Leuchter struck twice, either side of Victoria Pelova's effort, which survived a lengthy VAR check for offside.

Sweden beat Portugal 5-0 to reach Women's Euro 2022 quarter-finals; Netherlands too reach top 4

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday.

Both teams started cautiously and a dull first half at Bramall Lane sprung to life when Sweden took a deserved lead in the 36th minute through Andersson who smashed home from close range following some excellent wing play from Kosovare Asllani.

Lina Hurtig almost got a second with a diving header minutes later before Danielle van de Donk blazed over for the Dutch, capping a miserable half in which they took off goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen due to injury.

Netherlands manager Mark Parsons told reporters that both players had been taken to hospital but he was not sure of the extent of the injuries.

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"We remained calm. How often do you lose your captain and central defender in the first half?" he said.

"We are concerned about their situation, but their replacements (keeper Daphne van Domselaar and Marisa Olislagers) did very well. I`m proud of how we fought back. In the end it`s a shame we didn`t win."

Netherlands, watched by their men`s team`s head coach Louis van Gaal, flew out of the traps after the break and hit back through Roord in the 52nd minute after she was brilliantly set up by Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema.

Miedema grew into the game as the half wore on, driving at the Swedish defence with real menace, and nearly played in Roord for the winner but the Wolfsburg player was denied by a superbly timed tackle from Magdalena Eriksson.

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"We kept it compact, and from there on we started playing football," said Miedema.

"Sweden are a great team. We were kind of surprised that they came out with five at the back, but we picked that up well in the end. I think they will go very far, and I hope we can do the same."

Portugal and Switzerland, the other teams in the group, played out a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday.

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday. Both teams started cautiously and a dull first half at Bramall Lane sprung to life when Sweden took a deserved lead in the 36th minute through Andersson who smashed home from close range following some excellent wing play from Kosovare Asllani. Lina Hurtig almost got a second with a diving header minutes later before Danielle van de Donk blazed over for the Dutch, capping a miserable half in which they took off goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen due to injury. Netherlands manager Mark Parsons told reporters that both players had been taken to hospital but he was not sure of the extent of the injuries. Also Read: Germany thrash Denmark to get off to a flying start in Women's Euro 2022 "We remained calm. How often do you lose your captain and central defender in the first half?" he said. "We are concerned about their situation, but their replacements (keeper Daphne van Domselaar and Marisa Olislagers) did very well. I`m proud of how we fought back. In the end it`s a shame we didn`t win." Netherlands, watched by their men`s team`s head coach Louis van Gaal, flew out of the traps after the break and hit back through Roord in the 52nd minute after she was brilliantly set up by Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema. Miedema grew into the game as the half wore on, driving at the Swedish defence with real menace, and nearly played in Roord for the winner but the Wolfsburg player was denied by a superbly timed tackle from Magdalena Eriksson. Also Read: Lionel Messi threatens to leave PSG if French club signs Cristiano Ronaldo from Man Utd: Report "We kept it compact, and from there on we started playing football," said Miedema. "Sweden are a great team. We were kind of surprised that they came out with five at the back, but we picked that up well in the end. I think they will go very far, and I hope we can do the same." Portugal and Switzerland, the other teams in the group, played out a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.

Netherlands and Sweden share spoils in Women's Euro 2022 group opener