The Steel Roses have reached the knockout stage for the seventh time in World Cup football but they have done so despite finding the back of the net just once in three group stage matches.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Italy in Montpellier, Wang said she and her attack-minded teammates have been told to be brave and maximise their effectiveness in the final third.

The Steel Roses emerged from a Group B containing Germany, Spain and South Africa in third place, conceding just one goal to reach the knockout stage for the seventh time,

Their reward for that achievement is a Round of 16 clash against an Italian side which, in their first appearance on the world stage since 1999, topped a group featuring Australia and Brazil.

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.

Takakura’s side come into the win-or-go-home Round of 16 clash following an arduous group stage, which included an unexpected goalless draw against Argentina, and a 2-0 defeat to England in Nice on Wednesday.

By contrast, the Netherlands eased through the opening round with three successive wins and a star attacking trio of Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens and Shanice van de Sanden living up to their billing with a series of blistering performances.