South Africa can be proud of their Women’s World Cup campaign despite their Round of 16 exit, coach Desiree Ellis said after a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands on Sunday at Sydney Football Stadium.
Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn scored the two goals for the Netherlands to end Banyana Banyana’s fairy-tale run in the World Cup.
Banyana had reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time and also registered their maiden win at the global showpiece. In addition, they earned their first points in a World Cup edition
This is an achievement Ellis is proud of as they return home with the Netherlands marching into the quarter-finals.
Ellis was impressed by her troops’ efforts, insisting that they put up a brave fight throughout the tournament.
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ELLIS FULL OF PRAISE FOR BANYANA
“I can only say one thing: if their goalkeeper gets Player of the Match, what does that tell you,” said Ellis. “Yet, once again we created chances and we made errors in critical phases.
“But I’m very proud of these players, they gave their all today, and they know that they were in the game. They came here to put up a fight and put up a game.
In the second half, the tiredness and fatigue came in, but we still tried to create a few opportunities. But South Africa can be very proud of this team,” added the Banyana coach.
Following a much-improved performance at the 2023 World Cup, which was their second appearance, Desiree Ellis also stated that Banyana are gunning to quality for the 2027 edition.
“When we came the first time, we said we want to come back. [And now again] we definitely want to come back,” added Ellis.
“I think this team has grown and one or two little things here and there, and we could be celebrating now.
“Good luck to the Netherlands, we wish them well as they continue. I’m very proud of this team.”