Everyone was startled. The emotional scene unfolding before their eyes was something no one could have anticipated. China's incredible goalless draw with Spain has sent head coach Jia Xiuquan over the edge as he broke down in tears on the pitch at the full-time whistle.

"I've never seen my coach crying before," said 21-year-old Peng Shimeng, who was between the sticks for China on Monday in Stade Oceane and produced one of the most heroic performances of this Women's World Cup campaign.

"The first time I saw him cry and I couldn't help but cry too. I felt so passionate and touched. It has been a very tough year for our coach, he's worked so hard."  

The pressure of guiding China into a major sporting tournament is not one that should be taken lightly. The feeling is not only overwhelming and suffocating, the stakes could be so high that any petty mishap would come under relentless scrutiny.

A triumph of resilience

It is to the immense credit of Jia and the team that China put in a series of defensive masterclasses that have nullified a vigorous Spain side who peppered the Chinese goal with unremitting waves of attack.

Jia's players dug deep to show their character and quality. And Peng was arguably their biggest heroine, making an implausible nine saves to keep out everything Spain have thrown at her in a classy display as China earned a hard-fought stalemate.

As Germany swatted aside South Africa 4-0, the result was good enough for the Steel Roses to advance to the last 16.

On the face of it, this should have been cause for celebration. In truth, however, in spite of the progress they have been made throughout the group stages, the pronounced gulf in class between China and other footballing powerhouses is for all to see. 

A gulf in class

Following the same path as their opening defeat to Germany, China spent most of the do-or-die battle against Spain on the edge of their area, anxiously wondering where the danger might come from as the opponents rolled the ball to each other with their usual style and panache that few Chinese players can match.

Despite having Paris Saint-Germain star Wang Shuang leading the line, China rarely emerged as an attacking force during this campaign and were constantly in danger of being thrashed if it were not for their stout defense and the opponents' erratic finishing.

This kind of games was a sobering reminder of reality and it was not lost on Jia that there is still a long way to go before China are capable of getting back to where a nation of their ambitions wants to be. 

But it would be harsh to criticize the 55-year-old veteran tactician who understandably preferred to focus on the positives after such an emotionally-draining match-up. 

"They have played really well and I'm really proud of my players for their performance," beamed Jia.

"We have witnessed the gap between us and the world-class teams. It's very difficult no matter who our opponents are. And that's why I'm so moved by my players' efforts and never-give-up spirit."

"To build a strong team, it needs generations' work, it cannot just be done over one generation."