South Africa looked nervous in those early minutes, and Netherlands took full advantage as Jill Roord reacted first to a loose ball following a set-piece.

However Desiree Ellis' side reacted well and have grown into this game. This is teed up very nicely for the second half.

Netherlands are 45 minutes away from meeting Spain in the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup quarter-finals.

South Africa are absolutely not out of this however.

This has been a physical game, to say the least.

Danielle van de Donk clatters through the back of Lebohang Ramalepe, who gets gingerly to her feet.

Anna Thompson
BBC Sport at Sydney Football Stadium

There is definitely a lot of support for South Africa in the stadium, with the cheering rising to deafening levels when Thembi Kgatlana forced a save which resulted in a corner. South Africa are not out of this.

Image source, Getty Images

Make that six shots!

Daphne van Domselaar keeps Netherlands ahead as South Africa break swiftly from a Dutch corner.

Thembi Kgatlana is denied again by the keeper's legs from a tight angle, and van Domselaar does well to stop the rebound too.

Thembi Kgatlana has had four shots in this first half.

Netherlands faced four shots in the whole group stage.

The knock-outs are a whole new test.

Thembi Kgatlana is set free again, going one on one with Daphne van Domselaar.

Kgatlana tried to squeeze it through the keeper's legs, however the new Aston Villa signing makes a good save, then earns a free kick as she was kicked while jumping on the rebound.

Anyway, after a couple of long stoppages we have plenty of injury time added on.

Seven minutes in fact.

I don't wish to be a complete grump, but why was a Mexican wave going around the stadium as Bambanani Mbane was getting stretchered off?

Stay classy, Sydney.

Tiisetso Makhubela replaces Mbane in defence.

That tangle was actually given as a foul against Mbane, so we resume with a Dutch free kick which is struck over the bar by Dominique Janssen.

The stretcher is called for Bambanani Mbane.

It looked like Lieke Martens weight went all on Mbane's leg as they tangled, completely accidentally but a really nasty one for Mbane.

Never good to see. We send only our best wishes.

Postpublished at 39 mins

39 mins

Netherlands 1-0 South Africa

Oof, Bambanani Mbane and Lieke Martens get in a tangle and both go down, the South African defender especially heavily.

Mbane needs treatment, South Africa won't want to make another first half change.

Netherlands are looking to get their foot on the ball, and re-establish dominance over the tempo.

South Africa are pressing more regularly now.

Esmee Brugts loves a long range curler.

Another good shot from range here, which Kaylin Swart manages to get her whole body behind.

Thembi Kgatlana is an absolute handful.

She is freed again down the left, turns Sherida Spitse inside out, and forces Daphne van Domselaar to tip behind at her near post.

In this World Cup of impressive underdogs, South Africa have not gone away in this game at all.

One of three African sides in the last 16 - the first time that has happened at any World Cup - they are still posing Netherlands plenty of questions.

Shongwe already looks likely, sparking an attack down the left which Netherlands manage to snuff out.

A sad end for Jermaine Seoposenwe, she cannot continue. To be honest, she should have come off 10 minutes ago.

Wendy Shongwe is her replacement in attacking midfield. The 20-year-old is a speedy winger, and slots in on the left side.

Netherlands are continuing to dominate play against 10 and a half players.

Danielle van de Donk with a quick turn and shot, as South Africa switch off from a Dutch throw in.

Kaylin Swart makes a fine save with her legs, then catches the corner well.

These two nations are facing off on the pitch today - and will be doing so off it too.

Both are aiming to host the 2027 World Cup, Netherlands as part of a joint bid with Germany and Belgium.

The host for the next Women's World Cup will be announced next year. Brazil and Mexico are also in the mix.