The Germans made it, they are on to the next round. While elsewhere Spain and China will fight out whoever goes through to the knockout round, it is up to Germany to beat South Africa. The South Africans have already proved that it is not an easy job against China and Spain, but results were not achieved. Is South Africa going home scoreless or are they still making things difficult for the Germans?
South Africa:
South Africa is making its debut this year at the 2019 world championship, but the country is not very successful. The 53rd place on the world ranking also did not suffer from high expectations. In a pool with the big Germany, emerging Spain and the experienced China. The expectation was a last place in the group and it seems to be hard reality for Banyama Banyama. But South Africa does not have to be fooled, because twice they were a very worthy opponent. Spain had a difficult evening against South Africa, but only when a red card was drawn did South Africa get really difficult.
Then the second group match was on the program. South Africa had to compete against the Chinese women’s team in a fairly empty Parc des Princes. It was a loaded game in which the loser would be eliminated. It turned out to be, not for the first time this World Cup, a boring competition. The Chinese had much more experience at this level and had never had trouble in a game against South Africa. Occasionally South Africa emerged threateningly, but Li Ying scored in the 40th minute. That was it, because China started to play more conservatively.
Only one player has impressed me and can make it very difficult for the Germans. Kaylin Swart, the target woman of South Africa. The goalkeeper is only 1.64 meters, but played great. I have not seen this world championship stand out as Swart did in her seventh international match. Germany has been warned.
Germany:
The Germans make little impression of this World Cup, but win every time and ultimately that is how you get far in this type of tournament. With six points, Germany is already in the knockout phase of the tournament. The last defeat currently dates from March against France and after that Nationalelf has put down a series of thirteen international matches without defeat. In four of the last five wins, there was always a win with a margin of one goal. Even without star player Dzsenifer Maroszan managed to win, but unfortunately for the German fans she is not yet in the match against South Africa. Perhaps it is also true that the experienced number ten is missed by the German team. The originally Hungarian playmaker is an important player with her share of the goals, but now that she is gone it also seems difficult to spin. She is expected to be back at the knockouts.
So last week in Valenciennes, after a difficult game, they settled with Spain. The odds were equal, but it was more striking to see that the Germans had only 36% possession. Spain was more threatening, let the ball go around better, and had corner after corner. Yet they did not convert their chances into goals. When the Spaniards also started defensively for their own purpose, Germany was able to strike. Spain owes the loss entirely to itself, because the Germans were not nearly as good.
PREDICTION: Over 2,5 goals @ 1,32
