The South African Women’s Under-17 soccer team has crashed out of the FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. Brazil beat Bantwana Bantwana by four goals to one in Montevideo late on Tuesday.
The Group B match was a must-win encounter for the South Africans who wanted to keep their play-off hopes alive.
The Brazilians however are also out of the event. The first half was an even match between the two sides.
Both Brazil and South Africa created several opportunities to score. But neither side managed to find the back of the net as their defence held firm.
The teams went into the break without managing to open their accounts.
The second half however was a different kettle of fish. Brazil scored two goals shortly after the restart.
South Africa’s Miché Minnie was red-carded for handling the ball.
But Bantwana pulled one back through Zethembiso Vilikazi, who stole the ball from Brazil captain Isadora to put South Africa back into the game.
But the Brazilians struck back immediately. A minute later, replacement, Amanda, scored their third goal.
Player of the match, Maria Eduarda, then sealed the deal for the South Americans.
A magnificent fourth goal wrapped up the 4-1 victory for Brazil. South Africa, who failed to win a match, finished last in Group B.
But they did better than their debut tournament four years ago.
This time around, they scored one goal and secured one point for their efforts.
Bantwana coach Simphiwe Dludlu says:”I think the girls also showed character. Even with the red card, we still managed to create more chances where we could have scored. The game could have changed. But I’m really proud of the hearts they put out on the field and gave their all.”
But Brazil’s fate at the event depended on the result between Japan and Mexico.
Those teams played to a 1-all draw. Dashing Brazilian hopes to qualify for the quarter-finals.
