China beaten by Germany in Rio 2016 quarter-finals

A stunning second half Melanie Behringer goal proved the difference in a game which saw China often struggle to gain a foothold and Wang Shunag miss a late penalty for the 1996 silver medalists.

In what was the shape of things to come, Germany dominated throughout the first half with Leonie Maier’s header forcing a smart early save from China goalkeeper Zhao Lina, and a Dzsenifer Marozsan shot from the edge of the area flashing narrowly wide on 11 minutes.

As China continually struggled to get out of their own half, it was Germany who threatened, once again, to take the lead shortly after the half hour mark when captain Saskia Bartusiak looped an effort over Zhao’s bar after China had failed to clear Marozsan’s cross.

Resolute defending from Wu Haiyan then denied Alexandra Popp a sight on goal as the striker threatened to bust through on goal with the first period oming to a close.

Germany, two-time winners of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, resumed their pressing of the Chinese goal moments into the second half, Anja Mittag’s strike forcing Zhao into a fine save, and an alert Tan Ruyin clearing Tabea Kemme’s close range shot off the line.

The breakthrough, when it eventually came, would though prove to be a worthy match winner. Behringer hitting a shot from some 25 yards that rocketed past Zhao and into the top corner on 76 minutes.

There was to be late drama, however, when China’s Wang Shuang was brought down in the area by Maier and referee Kateryna Monzul pointed to the spot. Wang picked herself up to take the penalty, but her effort struck Almuth Schult’s left hand post and bounced away to safety to bring a halt to China's Brazilian campaign.