1974

From the outset the visitors showed their intentions with constant pressure on the South African goal.  SA keeper Sanani Mangisa, made some impressive saves but was eventually beaten in the 6th minute of the game, after a well-worked field goal from Carlien Dirkse van den Heuwel.

The Netherlands team continued to apply pressure on the South African defense, and a second field goal followed shortly through Lin Schakenraad.

The South African team managed to compose themselves after the initial onslaught, venturing into the Netherlands’ half of the field, but unfortunately these good attacks did not lead to any pressure on the Netherlands goal.

The Netherlands continued to attack the SA goal, eventually being rewarded with a penalty stroke towards the end of the first half, and Fieke Holman coolly slotted the stroke to the left of the diving keeper, to go into half time with a healthy 3-0 lead.

The SA team came out after half time with a much improved game plan to deal with the Netherlands attack, evident in that the only goal of the second half resulted following a poor clearance by the SA defense, when Lin Schakenraad pounced on the rebound to finish the game 4-0 to the Netherlands.

SA U21 coach Fabian Gregory was happy with the performance of the team, especially how they adjusted their play in the second half to deal with their opposition. The second match of the series takes place on Thursday 10 January 12:00 at Hartleyvale, when the young SA team is sure to aim to come from behind to draw the series.