Despite the fact that the Dutch are ranked 9th in the world, while Banyana Banyana is 54th, coach Desiree Ellis is confident that her team can pull off a surprise.
Ellis believes that nothing can stand in their way, as the underdog tag will work to their advantage.
“Look, we have been underestimated so many times before. I think this group has shown that nothing can stand in their way,” she told journalists at a press conference.
She also expressed confidence that her side will be able to stand up and be counted in tomorrow’s game.
“This group has shown that when the chips are down, they can stand up. We know who we are playing, but they don’t know who they are playing because this group, when the chips are down, in all our matches, they have just got better and better.”
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South Africa qualified for the knockout stage for the first time after defeating Italy 3-2. It was also their first World Cup victory.
Banyana Banyana lost their first game 2-1 to group winners Sweden then drew 2-2 with Argentina before beating Italy to finish second in Group G.
They face Group E winners Netherlands tomorrow in the round of 16.
The winner of that match will clash with Spain in the quarterfinals, who earlier thumped Switzerland 5-1 today.
