For the first time, there are seven members from the same confederation in last eight, with Italy and Netherlands through to the quarter-finals of the women's World Cup. 

Italy reached the Women's World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in nearly three decades after beating China 2-0 in Montpellier on Tuesday.

A 15th-minute tap in from Valentina Giacinti and substitute Aurora Galli's fierce drive three minutes after the break saw Milena Bertolini's side see off a committed Chinese side and match their best run in the competition back in 1991.

The Italians will now face either the Netherlands in Valenciennes on Saturday for a shot at their first ever appearance in the last four.

"It's a great result after a difficult match. Today wasn't a display of beautiful football but the girls gave everything and we were clinical," said coach Bertolini to TV station Rai.

"To reach the quarter-finals is hugely satisfying."

Italy's performance in France is all the more surprising given the women's team had not featured in the World Cup in 20 years and had only reached the last eight once, at the inaugural tournament in 1991.

In France, they have been clinical, basing their game on a solid defense and a killer instinct up front. They are also motivated by the chance of attracting new fans to the women's game.

Italy are still far from being tournament favorites, but they believe they have made groundbreaking progress in changing the opinions of fans back home.

"I know cultural changes take a lot of time. But this team are able to break down some of those prejudices and they are enacting change and that's their mission," said Bertolini, who spent over a decade coaching at Reggiana, Verona and Brescia before taking over as national team boss in 2017.

2011 champions undone by Martens magic

Lieke Martens celebrated making history as she converted a 90th-minute penalty to break Japanese hearts and take the Netherlands through to the quarter-finals of the women's World Cup for the first time with a 2-1 win in Rennes.

Barcelona star Martens had earlier given the Dutch the lead in their last-16 tie at Roazhon Park with a brilliant back-heel flick, but that contender for the most eye-catching goal of the tournament was canceled out before the break as Yui Hasegawa equalized for Japan.

The Nadeshiko were the better team in the second half but were undone by yet another penalty in a World Cup dominated by spot-kicks, with Martens scoring after a Vivianne Miedema shot had struck the hand of captain Saki Kumagai from point-blank range.

The Netherlands, reigning European champions, go through to a quarter-final on Saturday against Italy, who defeated China 2-0 earlier in the day.

"It is history that we have made. We are really proud about that but we are not done yet here. We are really looking forward to the next game and we hope we can surprise more," said Martens.

She accepted the penalty award at the end had been harsh on Japan, adding: "It's not our decision, we are really happy with that and sometimes you need a bit of luck."

After winning the 2011 World Cup and losing in the final four years ago, Japan go home, ending Asian interest in France already.

Seven of the eight quarter-finalists are from Europe, with holders the United States the only exception. The manner of Japan's defeat here drew sympathy from the crowd, with loud jeers greeting the final whistle.

"It was a penalty, it struck my hand. Of course it is very hard to accept. I am sad but I know that that's football," admitted a tearful Kumagai.

Japan's exit means there are no Asian sides in the last eight of the Women's World Cup for the first time in the competition's history.

Quarter-final

Norway vs England, June 27

France vs USA, June 28

Italy vs Netherlands, June 29

Germany vs Sweden, June 29

(With input from AFP, Reuters)