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Jonathan White

China negotiated a tough group at the Fifa Women’s World Cup in France on Monday night with a draw against Spain at the Stade Ocean in Le Havre.
The point was enough to take both sides through to the knockout stages, which start on Saturday, but crucially the draw means China avoid the world No 1-ranked United States in the next round.
Both teams finished on four points but Spain finish second in group B because of a better goal difference.
Their reward is a likely meeting with the fearsome USWNT, who are top of their group after two games and face Sweden on Thursday. China, who advance as one of the best third-placed teams as the 24-team tournament moves into the last-16, may yet play England.

Congrats to Peng Shimeng - the #PlayeroftheMatch presented by @Visa for #CHNESP!
Here's her thoughts as China PR reach the Round of 16...#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/m7ob0GM0Eg
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 17, 2019

The result was greeted with joy on Chinese social media, because the team have avoided the tournament favourites.
“Steel Roses” goalkeeper Peng Shimeng was voted player of the match for a string of saves from the Spanish front line. By contrast China did not have a shot on the Spain goal in the first half.

The Group B match between China and Spain at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup ended in a 0-0 draw. Both teams advanced into the knockout stage. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/et8y6JdXgJ
— China News 中国新闻网 (@Echinanews) June 18, 2019

They had one by the end of the game, compared to 24 for Spain over the 90 minutes, with zero on target from the Steel Roses. Spain also enjoyed 63 per cent of the possession.
That did not stop China coach Jia Xiuquan from bursting into tears at the final whistle, explaining in the mixed zone that his players’ “persistence” moved him after their resolute defending. “It’s not an easy draw,” he said.
Central midfielder Zhang Rui was also in tears after the game as was goalkeeper Peng, who said she cried because her coach had, and she had never seen him in tears before.

China, Spain progress to World Cup knockouts after goalless draw.
China held firm to tie Spain 0-0 in their final Group B match in the FIFA Women's World Cup here on Monday, as both sides make knockout stage with the draw. pic.twitter.com/PYNEthn9xP
— CCTV (@CCTV) June 18, 2019

The 21-year-old said she was enjoying her first World Cup and became more confident as the game went on. Her performance, which included her crashing into a post, was universally praised online.
Steel Roses skipper Wu Haiyan praised the teamwork shown by China. “We came through all the ups and downs to draw a valuable point from this game and we made it together,” said the defender.
Spain coach Jorge Vilda praised Peng in the Chinese goal: “I think today the Chinese goalkeeper was very, very good.” China right back Han Peng admitted that Spain had been the stronger team, both technically and physically.
Why young stars Zhang Yuning and Wang Shuang could spearhead China’s dreams of soccer domination
Paris St Germain’s Wang Shuang, the Asian footballer of the year, was taken off after 55 minutes, just after China took their only shot of the game. She was replaced with defender Li Wen. Many commenters wondered about her fitness.
Wang’s appearance had been discussed before the game. China’s star player had begun the loss to Germany on the bench before playing 90 minutes in the win over South Africa. She returned to Jia’s starting line-up for the decisive game in Le Havre but was taken off early in the second half.
China face the winners of either group C or D. Group D will be 2011 champions Japan or England, while Australia, Brazil or Italy could still win group C.
Wang Shuang shines on PSG debut as China’s men stutter
Elsewhere, South Korea have been knocked out after losing 2-1 to Norway but Asia’s other representatives are all still in. Thailand’s chances of advancing are slim as they need to overhaul their -17 goal difference but Japan and China are already through while Australia could join them.
China’s round of 16 game will either be in Valenciennes on June 23 or Montpellier on June 25. Their previous best performance at a World Cup was when they were beaten finalists in 1999, losing on penalties to the USWNT.


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Fifa Women’s World Cup 2019: Chinese in tears after goalkeeper heroics secure draw with Spain to avoid USWNT in round of 16

China's head coach Jia Xiuquan cries after the draw with Spain at the 2019 Fifa Women's World Cup in Le Havre, France. Photo: Xinhua

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Sport

Football

China

Peng Shimeng was voted player of the match after a string of saves against the European side
Coach Jia Xiuquan cried as did several players while social media users took delight in avoiding tournament favourites


Peng Shimeng was voted player of the match after a string of saves against the European side


Chinese Football Association (CFA)