Li Ying’s goal, scored just before half time, was the pivotal moment in a match the Steel Roses largely controlled but couldn’t kill off, despite registering three times as many goal attempts as their opponents.

The result puts China PR level with Spain – the side they will meet in the final group stage match in Le Havre on Monday – in Group B with three points, although the Steel Roses remain behind the Europeans on goal difference.

Jia Xiuquan’s side made life more difficult than many observers had anticipated for the two-time winners, but were left to rue a series of missed first-half opportunities as teenage star Gwinn sealed the win in the 66th minute.

Despite their defeat, China PR’s campaign is far from over, with forthcoming matches against South Africa and Spain to decide their knockout stage fate.

In desperate need of victory following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Italy, the Matildas were 2-0 down just before half-time, but goals to Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo, in addition to a decisive own goal from Brazilian defender Monica secured three vital points for Ante Milicic’s side.

Another win in Australia’s final Group C clash, against Jamaica, is now almost certain to take the world number six side through to the knockout stage for the fourth successive World Cup.

A surprise 0-0 draw against tournament minnows Argentina was far from the start the Asian champions had hoped for in France and the result will have even more damaging consequences should they fail to beat a Scotland side participating in their first World Cup.

With world number three England lying in wait in Japan’s final group stage match, Takakura agreed that three points, and nothing less, will do at Roazhon Park on Friday.

In what both coaches had branded a ‘must-win’ fixture, the Koreans led possession, shots and most other statistical indicators but once again failed to score, with an own goal from Kim Do-yeon putting them behind, before Asisat Oshoala sealed the tie for Nigeria with a late second.

Korea Republic now must not only beat Norway in their final group stage fixture, in Reims on Friday, but hope other results work in their favour if they are to return to the Round of 16, which they reached in 2015.

The reigning world champions were roundly expected to defeat the Southeast Asian side, and they lived up to expectations with three early goals, before adding another 10 more in a blistering second half to record the biggest ever World Cup win.

Well beaten, but with their arduous first assignment now behind them, Thailand’s attention now turns to what they hope will be more competitive remaining Group F fixtures against Sweden and Chile.

Despite fielding eight players making their tournament debut, Japan were considered strong favourites to win the tie, but a resolute Argentinian defence helped Carlos Borrello’s side to their first ever World Cup point.