With both sides on three points, and Spain marginally ahead on goal difference, the winners of Monday’s match are certain to progress to the knockout stage, while any other result will leave the Steel Roses’ knockout stage fate at the mercy of other results.

Like many, Jia was impressed by the influence exerted by Spain in their 1-0 loss to world number two Germany – the same result registered by China in their opening match – but the former men’s international insists the onus is on his side to shape their meeting with Jorge Vilda’s side in their own image.

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.

Li Ying’s goal, scored just before half time, was the pivotal moment in a match the Steel Roses largely controlled but couldn’t kill off, despite registering three times as many goal attempts as their opponents.

The result puts China PR level with Spain – the side they will meet in the final group stage match in Le Havre on Monday – in Group B with three points, although the Steel Roses remain behind the Europeans on goal difference.

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.

The 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup’s Most Valuable Player only featured as a substitute in Japan’s 0-0 Matchday One draw against Argentina, but she made the most of her recall against the Scots, giving her side a 23rd-minute lead with a crashing 20-yard drive.

It proved to be one of the key moments in the all-important clash, and Iwabuchi was awarded Player of the Match for an excellent overall contribution alongside Yuika Sugasawa.

In a match which has been dubbed the ‘Miracle of Montpellier’, Australia were staring down the barrel of a shock group stage exit when Cristiane put the South Americans 2-0 up in the 38th minute, but, against all the odds, they emerged with all three points.

Caitlin Foord pulled a goal back just before half time, before Player of the Match Chloe Logarzo levelled the tie in the 58th minute, with a VAR-influenced own goal from Brazilian defender Monica ultimately completing a remarkable recovery.

In desperate need of victory following Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Italy, the Matildas were 2-0 down just before half-time, but goals to Caitlin Foord and Chloe Logarzo, in addition to a decisive own goal from Brazilian defender Monica secured three vital points for Ante Milicic’s side.

Another win in Australia’s final Group C clash, against Jamaica, is now almost certain to take the world number six side through to the knockout stage for the fourth successive World Cup.