Argentina, South Africa hopes dented by thrilling draw in Women’s World Cup
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Argentina's defender Sophia Braun (far left) and midfielder Aldana Cometti challenging South African Bongeka Gamede during their Group G clash on Friday.
PHOTO: AFP
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DUNEDIN – Argentina remain determined to get their maiden Women’s World Cup win at this tournament, despite letting slip probably their best chance of doing so in a 2-2 draw with Group G rivals South Africa on Friday.
The South Americans will at least go into their final group match against Sweden in Hamilton next Wednesday with momentum after scoring two goals in the last 20 minutes to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Banyana Banyana.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Estefania Banini had said before travelling to New Zealand that the Albiceleste knew they had no chance of emulating their men by lifting the World Cup, but they would make history with their first win.
“We are sad that we are still not able to make history, and we know that we have to correct things,” Argentina coach German Portanova said.
“I admire the courage of these players, their constant fight, their willingness to grow. It was exciting to see them searching for a result.
“They went for it with pride, feeling the colours of the shirt. We’re going to play the best game we can (against Sweden) to get those points.”
South Africa scored their goals through Linda Motlhalo on the half-hour mark and Thembi Kgatlana in the 66th minute.
For all their neat approach work, Argentina looked unable to threaten Kaylin Swart in the Africans’ goal and their first attempts on target did not come until the second half.
In the 74th minute, though, Sophia Braun launched a stunning long-range strike that curled into the corner of the net to cut the deficit in half and Romina Nunez’s header five minutes later levelled the score.
“We never gave up and we played our hearts out. We wanted to win but we are happy with this comeback,” Braun said. “We are looking forward to playing Sweden. It will be another battle and we are ready for it.”
Landing a first victory in their 12th World Cup fixture might be easier said than done against the Swedes, who are ranked third in the world and among the favourites to win the tournament.
After a 1-0 loss to Italy in their opening match, Argentina now face an uphill task to progress out of the group and into the last 16 for the first time.
Sweden and Italy have three points before playing each other in Wellington on Saturday, while the Argentinians and the South Africans have only a point each following their draw.
“We had the chances to win this game today but we just threw it away,” said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis.
“It is about taking our chances, making better decisions in the final third.
“If we take our chances, we have a different conversation.
“Today was a great opportunity to put ourselves a step ahead, but it is not all lost.” AFP, REUTERS
