The Steel Roses pushed two-time winners Germany all the way in their first fixture, but their 1-0 opening defeat means their second outing is one they cannot afford to lose if they are to continue their record of never suffering group stage elimination in a World Cup.

Speaking ahead of the fixture at Parc des Princes, Jia backed his side to perform to their capabilities in the crucial clash.

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.

In what both coaches had branded a ‘must-win’ fixture, the Koreans led possession, shots and most other statistical indicators but once again failed to score, with an own goal from Kim Do-yeon putting them behind, before Asisat Oshoala sealed the tie for Nigeria with a late second.

Korea Republic now must not only beat Norway in their final group stage fixture, in Reims on Friday, but hope other results work in their favour if they are to return to the Round of 16, which they reached in 2015.

The reigning world champions were roundly expected to defeat the Southeast Asian side, and they lived up to expectations with three early goals, before adding another 10 more in a blistering second half to record the biggest ever World Cup win.

Well beaten, but with their arduous first assignment now behind them, Thailand’s attention now turns to what they hope will be more competitive remaining Group F fixtures against Sweden and Chile.

Despite fielding eight players making their tournament debut, Japan were considered strong favourites to win the tie, but a resolute Argentinian defence helped Carlos Borrello’s side to their first ever World Cup point.

Sam Kerr opened the scoring with her first career World Cup goal, but Juventus ace Bonansea scored twice in the second half to punish a listless Australia, who now have a significant challenge ahead if they are to salvage their France 2019 campaign.

The Matildas will look to bounce back against Brazil on Thursday, knowing defeat in that match could deliver a fatal blow to their knockout stage hopes.

Wendie Renard’s brace and the inspirational form of Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer were the undoubted highlights of the morale boosting win for France, one which sends them to the top of the Group A table ahead of Saturday’s match between fellow group hopefuls Norway and Nigeria.