SYDNEY, Aug 6 (Reuters) - South Africa coach Desiree Ellis said she thought Banyana Banyana could have beaten the Netherlands at the Women's World Cup on Sunday if they had taken their chances, rather than exiting in the first knockout stage with a 2-0 loss.
Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was named player of the match after keeping South Africa, and in particular striker Thembi Kgatlana, at bay with series of fine saves.
"With a decision or a goal here or there, we could be speaking differently now, but I think the whole of South Africa should be really proud of this team."
Ellis hoped that people would remember all the saves that goalkeeper South Africa Kaylin Swart made at the tournament, and not just the howler that gifted the Dutch their second goal after halftime on Sunday.
"This team really punched above their weight considering that we do not have what everybody else has - a professional league."
Persons:
Desiree Ellis, Banyana, Daphne van Domselaar, Thembi Kgatlana, Ellis, Swart, Nick Mulvenney, Simon Cameron, Moore
Organizations:
SYDNEY, South Africa, South, Thomson
Locations:
South Africa, Netherlands