Thrilling Match: South Africa Clinches Victory Against Italy with a 3-2 Scoreline – Top

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup continued Wednesday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports app), with South Africa (1-1-1) battling Italy (1-1-1) at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.

With the win, South Africa is moving to the knockout stage. Italy is eliminated from the tournament.

Find every scenario for how each team can advance out of its group and into the knockouts here.

Follow our live coverage below!

FINAL: South Africa 3, Italy 2

90+9′: Keeping the lead

Trying to preserve its 3-2 lead, South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart caught Italy defender Elena Linari’s long-distance shot attempt.

90+2′: SOUTH AFRICA RETAKES LEAD 

Hildah Magaia passed it off to Thembi Kgatlana in traffic, and the latter knocked the ball through to give South Africa the lead.

87′: A little high

Hildah Magaia got off a shot from the left side, but it was sent above the net by Italy goalkeeper Francesa Durante.

87′: Somehow they didn’t score

Italy was all around the net, but goalkeeper Kaylin Swart and the South Africa defense continued to deny shot attempts.

74′: Tie game!

Cristiana Girelli knocked in a goal off a corner pass for Italy to even up the score at two apiece. A VAR check later confirmed the goal.

71′: WHAT. A. SAVE.

Mere moments after assisting on the go-ahead goal for South Africa, Thembi Kgatlana nearly doubled SFA’s lead prior to Italy goalkeeper Francesa Durante pulling off a remarkable diving save going to her left on a close-up header — and then saving another potential goal.

67′: Lead change!

Thembi Kgatlana forced the issue at the net for South Africa, dribbling through traffic and setting up Hildah Magaia, who powered in the go-ahead goal.

58′: Almost

South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe was in striking distance but wasn’t able to connect on her shot attempt, which was hauled in by Italy goalkeeper Francesa Durante.

51′: Access denied

Valentina Giacinti had a chance to regain the lead for Italy, but her shot attempt was sent to the side by South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, who came out to contest the attempt.

50′: Absorbed

South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane got off a free kick, but it was caught by Italy goalkeeper Francesa Durante near the post.

HALFTIME: 1-1 tie

Italy drew first blood, but later offset its score with an own goal. It controlled the pace in the first half, but South Africa also halted several of Italy’s scoring chances.

32′: OOPS!

Italy’s Benedetta Orsi appeared to be passing the ball back to goalkeeper Francesa Durante, but Orsi’s pass went past Durante and into the net for an own goal, putting South Africa on the board.

21′: Brutal!

South Africa’s Robyn Moodaly had a close-up scoring opportunity on the right side of the net, but her shot went off the right post.

18′: Back the other way

Italy came roaring down the field before South Africa defender Bambanani Mbane made a nice tackle, giving it possession.

11′: PK score

After South Africa was penalized for tripping, Italy midfielder Arianna Caruso was awarded a penalty kick, which she knocked through for the first score.

PREGAME

Setting the stage

The “World Cup NOW” crew previewed the match live on social media ahead of kickoff. 

Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule and how to watch each match live here. Find the latest scores here.

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