Two minutes into stoppage time, Thembi Kgatlana has stunned Italy with a gamewinner for South Africa in a 3-2 victory that pushed her team into the Round of 16 for the first time at the Women's World Cup.
Kgatlana's score in the box, off a pass from Hildah Magaia, answered a game-tying goal in the 74th minute in Group G action at Wellington.
Needing only a draw to advance, Italy made it 2-2 on Arianna Caruso's second goal from a corner. Several attempts to take the lead were averted by South Africa.
Magaia netted the third goal of the game in the 87th minute, attacking from left of the goal.
South Africa goalie Kaylin Swart made critical saves down the stretch, including a long-distance try from Italy defender Elena Linari.
Later, Jamaica earned a draw at Melbourne to advance to the Round of 16 and send Brazil home from the group stage for the first time since 1995.
Three consecutive shutouts propelled Jamaica into the knockout round for the first time.
Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer continued her stellar play by keeping Brazil off the board, ending the spectacular World Cup career of Brazilian star Marta, who has a record 17 career World Cup goals.
Playing in the Women's World Cup for only the second time, Jamaica needed a GoFundMe campaign to pay for the team to make it to the event.
The 'Reggae Girlz' eliminated reigning Copa America champs Brazil and advanced as the runners-up to France (seven points) in Group F with five points.
Two second-half goals set up Sweden for a Sunday date with the champion United States.
Elin Rubensson sparked the celebration in the 90th minute with a penalty kick. Rebecka Blomqvist opened the scoring at Hamilton, with a header for a tally in the 66th minute for world No.3 Sweden, who beat the Americans at the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals.
France dominated possession and scored six goals to win Group F in a fast-paced and entertaining match against Panama at Sydney.
France fell behind instantly on a free-kick by Marta Cox and appeared to be reeling, but Lea Le Garrec made it 4-1 before the half and France's Kadidiatou Diani scored three times. Panama wouldn't go silently, with goals in the 64th minute on a penalty and Lineth Cedeno's header in the 87th minute made it a one-goal game.
France began the match with captain Wendie Renard (calf injury) and all-time leading scorer Eugenie Le Sommer on the bench, but proved to have more than enough firepower, netting six of its 21 total shots and possessing the ball nearly 70 percent of the match.
Reuters
