Women’s World Cup 2023: South Africa strike in injury time to reach last 16 and send stunned Italy home

South Africa progressed to the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time ever after claiming a shock 3-2 victory over Italy.

Hildah Magaia and match-winner Thembi Kgatlana in particular, shone for South Africa, demonstrating blistering pace and fantastic execution in front of the goal.

Italy came out of the traps looking like the more attacking side and took the lead in the 11th minute after Carruso found the net from the penalty spot after Karabo Dhlamini felled Chiara Beccari.

But South Africa would not go down without a fight, and had some decent spells of possession, as well as exhibiting some fine defending.

They were gifted an equaliser in the 32nd minute after a miscalculated pass back by Benedetta Orsi to goalkeeper Francesca Durante had too much power, resulting in an own goal.

Level at the break, the second half looked scrappier, though both had chances, windy weather conditions appeared to hamper some of them.

Though Italy dominated possession, it was a fairly even match up. Where Italy took the led in the attack, some costly mistakes were made and opportunities squandered.

South Africa capitalised in the 67nd minute thanks in no small part to the phenomenal pace of Kgatlana, who looked dangerous throughout, and provided a stellar pass to eventual scorer Magaia. Although a lengthy VAR check some seven minutes later allowed Caruso a goal for Italy, despite a possible offside, to level the score.

Just as it looked as though South Africa would be denied their historic moment it was Kgatlana and Magaia again who struck during a lengthy period of stoppage time, to seal their fate and a place in the next round, where they will face Netherlands.

This is a huge moment for South Africa, having only qualified for a World Cup for the first time in 2019, and losing all three matches, the level of progress in those four short years is immense. They will have a near impossible order in terms of going further in the tournament, but in the likely event they lose out to Netherlands, they can leave with their heads held high.

Kgatlana showed incredible pace on the ball, and made key assists to goal-scorer Magaia. Throughout the match she showed her intent, pressing forward and providing consistent threat against the Italian defence.

SouthAfrica: Swart 6, Matlou 6, Mbane 7, Gamede 6, Dhlamini 6, Ramalepe 6, Moodaly 7, Motlhalo 7, Kgatlana 8, Seoposenwe 7, Magaia 8. Subs: Holweni 6, Kgoale 7, Shongwe 6, Makhubela 6.

Italy: Durante 4, Orsi 5, Di Guglielmo 6, Linari 6, Boattin 6, Giugliano 6, Bonansea 7, Beccari 7, Dragoni 7, Caruso 8, Giacinti 7. Subs: Bartoli 6, Cantore 6, Girelli 6, Glionna 6, Greggi 6.

11’ GOAL! 1-0 to Italy as Carruso slots it into the bottom corner. 1-0 to Italy.

32’OWN GOAL! An absolute horror show for Italy after Orsi passes the ball back to the keeper. She’s not looking where the keeper is though, and it’s straight pas her outstretched hands and into the net.

67’GOAL FOR SOUTH AFRICA! The flag goes up and there’s a moment there where it looks like it won’t stand – but it will! It’s a superb pass by Kgatlana to Magaia in front if the box, who slices the ball into the net. As things stand, South Africa will progress to the knockout stages – 2-1.

74’ GOAL FOR ITALY! It looks like Super Sub Girelli has done it again with a header, but Caruso gets the last touch.

90+2’ SOUTH AFRICA TAKE THE LEAD! Fantastic play by South Africa – Magaia is waiting in front of the box to take Kgatlana’s pass. She slots it in. 3-2 to South Africa.

South Africa lost all three matches they played in the 2019 World Cup.

Italy women’s team have qualified for four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, progressing to the quarter finals twice and leaving in the group stage on the other two occasions.