The Netherlands’ again line should depend on belief and togetherness to cease lightning-fast striker Thembi Kgatlana when it faces South Africa in its spherical of 16 recreation on the World Cup in Sydney on Sunday, mentioned defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
Kgatlana netted two of her group’s six targets together with the last-gasp scorcher that dramatically dumped Italy out of the match.
“Well, it requires the same as always from me, we help each other at the back, we cover each other’s back and I think (on Sunday) it will be very important to have each other’s back,” mentioned Van der Gragt.
The ninth-ranked Oranje topped Group E with two victories and a draw with two-time reigning champion United States.
READ: Sevilla indicators Swiss midfielder Sow from Eintracht
Coach Andries Jonker mentioned his squad had stopped “very fast attackers” versus Portugal on the World Cup, and in friendlies in opposition to Costa Rica and Poland – all Dutch victories.
“It’s a matter of choosing positions, helping each other and having a ‘keeper that pays attention,” Jonker mentioned. “So far, we’ve had things under control. It’s not that we’re getting confused with this fast attacker from South Africa, but we have taken it into account and we’re preparing for that.”
The Dutch are ranked 45 spots above South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, however this match has proven no group could be neglected.
“It will be another fight at this world championship between a so-called smaller country – many people in women’s football will consider South Africa smaller – and a bigger, not from the size but from history, Holland, and I think it will be another fight between two countries who have just one desire, fly to New Zealand (for the quarterfinals),” Jonker mentioned.
ALSO READ: Arteta expects Jesus to return ‘soon’ after surgical procedure
Asked why the Netherlands is so constant in tournaments, Van der Gragt mentioned her facet is constructed for the lengthy haul.
“We spend a lot of time together,” she mentioned. “We only have each other because family is not there. There’s good dynamics within the team . . . and we also will stick up for each other and that turns us into a solid tournament team.
“We’re quite close and we’re willing to fight for each other on the pitch.”
The Dutch have been again on the apply pitch on Saturday after Friday’s lengthy journey day from Dunedin to Sydney.
“I had this idea that this would be the world championship of football but also flying,” Jonker mentioned of his group’s schedule. “But my attitude was straight away, okay, just let this happen, go with the flow.”
