China held firm to tie Spain 0-0 at break in their final Group B match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup here on Monday, as both sides would make knockout stage with a draw.
The 1999 runners-up, whose starting 11 kept unchanged from South Africa victory, played counter-attacks in the first half, and mistakes in Spain’s passing allowed China to pose some danger before the interval.
A draw seems to be enough to guarantee a last 16 spot for China, but a win may see them against the United States, the defending champions.
Spain, on the other hand, tried to their full reach to create opportunities not only through possession, which is 62% in the first half, but also with long balls to right winger Lucia Garcia and front attacker Nahikari Garcia.
Jennifer Hermoso nailed the best first-half chance for La Roja, nodding towards the Chinese goal with a tight angle following a Virginia Torrecilla cross to force keeper Peng Shimeng dive to save in the 39th minute.
Wang Shanshan, heroine of China’s runners-up performance at last year’s Asian Games, suffered a knee twist while fighting for ball possession, leaving her team upfront with 10 players on the pitch for two minutes.
