Two minutes into stoppage time, Thembi Kgatlana stunned Italy with a game-winner for South Africa in a 3-2 victory that pushed her team into the Round of 16 for the first time at the Women’s World Cup.
Kgatlana’s score in the box off a pass from Hildah Magaia answered a game-tying goal in the 74th minute in Group G action in Wellington.
Italy (1-0-2), needing only a draw to advance, made it 2-all on Arianna Caruso’s second goal from a corner. Several attempts to take the lead were averted by South Africa (1-1-1).
Magaia netted the third goal of the game in the 87th minute attacking from left of the goal.
South Africa goalie Kaylin Swart made multiple critical saves down the stretch, including a long-distance try from Italy defender Elena Linari.
Jamaica 0, Brazil 0
Jamaica earned a draw in Melbourne to also advance to the knockout stage for the first time at the Women’s World Cup and send Brazil home from the group stage for the first time since 1995.
Three consecutive shutouts propelled Jamaica into the knockout round for the first time.
Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer continued her stellar play by keeping Brazil off the board, ending the spectacular World Cup career of Brazilian star Marta, who has a record 17 career World Cup goals.
Playing in the Women’s World Cup for only the second time, Jamaica needed a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the team to make it to the event.
The Reggae Girlz eliminated reigning Copa America champs Brazil and advanced as the runner-up to France (seven points) in Group F with five points.
Sweden 2, Argentina 0
Two second-half goals set up Sweden for a Sunday date with the United States in a matchup of group stage winners.