Netherlands edge out debutants Portugal in Women's World Cup opener
FootballWWC: Italy’s Benedetta Orsi Scores Funniest Own Goal from Outside the Box vs. South Africa
- Italy just scored one of the most bizarre own goals at the Women’s World Cup
- Benedetta Orsi inexplicably passed the ball into her own net after a miscommunication with her goalkeeper in the clash against South Africa
- South Africa fought to a 3-2 victory to advance to the last 16 of the competition
Italy star Benedetta Orsi is responsible for arguably the most bizarre own goal at the Women’s World Cup.
The Italians came up against South Africa in their final group game, knowing a draw would be enough to see them through to the last 16.
And they got off to a flying start thanks to a penalty from Arianna Caruso in the 11th minute.
However, it seems Italy got a bit too comfortable in possession as they conceded a bizarre equalizer after miscommunication in defence, as per the video shared by Fox Sports.
With no pressure on the ball, Orsi played a back pass to the goalkeeper Francesca Durante, who knew very little of it, and the ball crept into the back of the net.
At first glance, it looked like the goalkeeper was caught off guard, but replays further showed that the pass from Orsi was also a tad heavy.
Immediately after the goal, Orsi froze for a few seconds in apparent disbelief as her teammate went over to console her.
South Africa upset Italy
Regarding the game, South Africa capitalized on Italy’s mistakes as they took the lead in the second half thanks to Hildah Magaia’s 67th-minute strike.
But the Italian women’s team, ranked 16th in the world by FIFA, clawed back into the game as Caruso secured her brace in the 74th minute.
However, more drama was to come as South Africa found what proved to be the winner in added time through Thembi Kgatlana, who slotted home from Magaia’s pass.
Bernard Parker reflects how disheartened Kaizer Chiefs were after 2019/20 title loss to Mamelodi Sundowns
FootballWWC: Kenyan ref to officiate
Sports Brief also reported on Kenyan referee Mary Njoroge’s feat as she is set to officiate at the Women’s World Cup.
Njoroge is the only Kenyan referee at the quadriennial event, which has entered match day three with teams scrambling to qualify for the knockout stages.
She will be the second assistant referee in the game, which will be played at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.