Final whistle blown for Banyana

SYDNEY - A valiant effort from Banyana Banyana in the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16.

But their dream run comes to an end following a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Sydney.

Jill Roord scored after nine minutes to put the Dutch on their way in Sydney and Lineth Beerensteyn grabbed a second midway through the second half after a goalkeeping error.

The African champions will be kicking themselves after having numerous chances in the opening 45 minutes, almost all to their livewire captain Thembi Kgatlana.

The Netherlands will meet Spain on Friday in the last eight.

- Additional reporting AFP