Tuesday’s performance at Roazhon Park was Japan’s best in France, as a team dominated by players appearing on the world stage for the first time produced the sort of sparkling football for which the Nadeshiko have become universally admired.

But, for all their efforts, including a fabulous display from Mana Iwabuchi, it ended in tears for the Asian champions, as captain Saki Kumagai was penalised for blocking a rushed Vivianne Miedema shot with her arm, paving the way for Martens to deal the decisive blow from 12 yards in a 2-1 win.

Japan produced their best football of the tournament, particularly in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to advance, as Martens scored both goals for a Dutch side who will appear in the last eight for the first time in history.

Despite a virtuoso performance from Mana Iwabuchi, who created a string of chances, only Yui Hasegawa managed to find the net for Japan, whose dream of reaching a third successive World Cup final was cruelly dashed.

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.

Long-time team manager Nualphan Lamsam has also stepped away from her involvement from the team, ending a 12-year tenure at the helm of the women’s national team programme.

The duo has overseen a period of unprecedented success for the Chaba Kaew, who defied expectations to qualify for two successive editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup – the only trips to global Finals in Thai senior football history.

The Matildas rode their luck for much of the tournament in France, but it ran out in dramatic fashion against Norway, as Ante Milicic’s side fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat following a gruelling 1-1 draw.

Both sides had their share of scoring opportunities at Stade de Nice, but Australia’s failure to take any of several early chances, including a narrow Sam Kerr miss within the opening minute, ultimately proved costly.

The Matildas overcame the concession of an early Isabella Herlovsen goal, and the extra-time sending off of Alanna Kennedy to force penalties after an epic 1-1 draw.

However, unsuccessful spot-kicks from Sam Kerr and Emily Gielnik proved to be too much overcome in the shootout.

Yoon Duk-yeo’s side conceded penalties at the beginning of each half, overshadowing a spirited overall display which produced 23 shots at goal to eight, with Yeo Min-ji netting her side’s first goal of the tournament.

Norway’s win takes them through to the knockout stage as Group A runners-up, while France’s 1-0 win over Nigeria in their match, held simultaneously in Rennes, confirmed the hosts as group winners.