体坛英语资讯：China, Spain progress to World Cup knockouts after goalless draw_娱乐

体坛英语资讯：China, Spain progress to World Cup knockouts after goalless draw

LE HAVRE, France, June 17 -- 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.

Jia Xiuquan's team claimed only one attacking attempts, which came in the 51st minute, against Spain's 24 throughout the game.

"It's not an easy draw, even without a single score," said a tearful Jia, former coach of China's U-19 men's national team.

"My players defended hard and their mental persistence moved me," he explained to a post-match mixed zone why he's coming off the pitch with tears.

"It's all about teamwork. We came through all the ups and downs to draw a valuable point from this game and we made it together," echoed Chinese defender and captain Wu Haiyan.

With the goalless tie, Spain finish second behind Germany and China in the third after the group leaders German side claimed a 4-0 rout over South Africa in a match having kicked off simultaneously in Montpellier.

"Of course we're happy to qualify for the round of 16. We're continuing to make history," commented Spain's coach Jorge Vilda, whose side improved from a 20th-place finish from last World Cup to be at least round of 16 finalists in their second appearance.

"We knew a draw was a possibility," he added. "It would have been good to have scored, but I think today the Chinese goalkeeper was very very good."

The Steel Roses' goalie Peng Shimeng, who's voted Player of the Match, carried out a heroic performance in Stade Oceane, having cancelled 15 shooting opportunities from the rivals with a help of China's defending line led by skipper Wu Haiyan.