PARIS (AFP) – China and Spain played out a goalless draw that saw both sides advance to the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup on Monday, while Melanie Leupolz set Germany on their way to a comprehensive 4-0 win over South Africa.
Both the Spaniards and former runners-up China knew a point in Le Havre would take them through to the knockout phase from Group B, and so they transpired to play out a 0-0 stalemate.
Spain did threaten to take all three points late on, but China goalkeeper Peng Shimeng made key saves in the last 10 minutes, getting down low to keep out a Patri Guijarro strike and then reaching to tip over a Jennifer Hermoso effort.
Spain finish in second place with four points and are through to the knockout phase for the first time, while China are relegated to third on goal difference but are already sure to progress as one of the best third-place finishers.
