The Steel Roses performed better then the 2-0 scoreline might have suggested at Stade de la Mosson, but an inability to convert scoring opportunities remained their Achilles heel as they were eliminated from the competition having scored just one goal in four matches.

Jia steered China through a difficult group featuring Germany, Spain and South Africa, but their exit in the first knockout round is the nation’s worst FIFA Women’s World Cup result when appearing at the Finals.

China had been aiming to become the first third-placed team to win a knockout stage match in tournament history, but early goals in each half from Valentina Giacinti and Aurora Galli prevented the Steel Roses from reaching their seventh World Cup quarter-final.

In a hard-fought and largely even match, Italy showed greater quality and decisiveness in the two penalty areas to set up a quarter-final meeting with either the Netherlands or Japan on Saturday.

Just over a year after bursting onto the scene at the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, 21-year-old Peng has announced herself as the Steel Roses custodian for years to come in France, turning in a string of strong performances to help her side reach the knockout stage.

The Steel Roses survived 23 Spanish shots at goal, with goalkeeper Peng Shimeng turning in a Player of the Match performance to take her side to the Round of 16 with a 0-0 draw against Spain.

With over 40 years of experience in the game, and not having a reputation for wearing his heart on his sleeve, Jia surprised many - including his star 21-year-old shot-stopper - by showing his emotions after the final whistle.

Both sides finished their final group stage fixture on four points, with Spain qualifying as group runners-up due to their marginally superior goal difference, while China PR’s points tally means they cannot be overhauled as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The Chinese goal poacher was left on the bench in her side’s 1-0 Matchday One loss to Germany but celebrated her recall to the starting line-up with a goal that not only perfectly underlined her qualities, but also revived the Steel Roses’ campaign.

The Guangdong Huijun striker timed her run to perfection to seamlessly meet a pinpoint delivery from Zhang Rui, giving South African goalkeeper Kaylin Swart little chance of keeping the ball out in the 40th minute.

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.