True steel keeps Cup dream alive

Stirring shutout of Spain sends gutsy China through to last 16 in France

Team China summoned all its powers of resistance to reach the knockout stage of the Women's World Cup with a dogged performance against Spain that moved both coach Jia Xiuquan and hero of the night Peng Shimeng to tears.

Goalkeeper Peng epitomized the Steel Roses' tenacity and courage in the face of a relentless Spanish onslaught with nine crucial saves to earn a 0-0 Group B draw on Monday at Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France.

The point sees China advance to the last 16 as one of the four best third-place finishers.

Spain also progresses in second place, with Germany through after topping the group in style with a 4-0 victory over eliminated South Africa in the night's other game.

The emotion proved too much for coach Jia, who weathered criticism from some media sectors after dropping the opener to Germany and laboring to a 1-0 win over South Africa.

"Their fighting spirit moved me," said Jia. "I was a player, so I know what was in their minds even if they didn't say anything. We snatched one point against Spain which means we still have a chance to face more world-class teams. My players defended hard and their mental persistence moved me.

"It may take generations to eventually form a strong team. Now we see the gap between us and the world-class teams. We need to put in 200 percent and we need to do it in a concerted way."

Peng, who was named player of the match, also struggled to contain her emotions.

"I saw the coach crying, so I cried with him," said Peng. "I was sad to see the coach because I knew he took the lead and carried all the pressure for us."

Peng's shutout was fittingly described by some fans online as like building a Great Wall. Afterward she attempted to deflect attention away from her heroics.

"I'm surprised to be named player of the match and I hope to help our team go further," said the 21-year-old.

"We were all nervous at the beginning of the match, but we stopped thinking too much and just focused. Please trust us and trust our coach. We're doing our best."