Sophia Braun and Romina Nunez scored goals in a five-minute span late in the second half, rallying Argentina to a 2-2 draw with South Africa in the Women’s World Cup on Friday.
The South Americans had to fight back from 2-0 down after the Africans scored goals through Linda Motlhalo on the half hour mark and Thembi Kgatlana in the 66th minute.
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In the 74th minute, Braun fired a right-footed shot from 20 yards out and found the top right corner.
Argentina’s Yamila Rodríguez delivered a cross from the top of the box on the right side in the 79th minute, and Nunez ran onto the ball and headed it in from near the penalty spot to tie the score.
“It is about taking our chances,” said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis.
“That’s the problem, we don’t take them, it comes back at us every time. If we had taken our chances we would have had a different conversation.
“It is fantastic we got our first point but three would have been better, it’s like you hand me a chocolate and then take it away, and I love chocolate.”
The result still leaves the teams tied for third place in Group G, both with one point at 0-1-1. The other two teams in the group, Sweden and Italy, both 1-0-0 with three points, will meet on Saturday in Wellington, New Zealand.
“We never gave up and we played our hearts out. We wanted to win but we are happy with this comeback,” midfielder Braun said.
“We are looking forward to playing Sweden. It will be another battle and we are ready for it.”
Argentina will face Sweden on Wednesday, while South Africa play Italy at the same time with both teams looking for an historic first Round of 16 berth.
