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.