As it happened: Australia v Denmark locked in; England destroy China 6-1; United States avoid disaster

• China v England
• Haiti v Denmark
• Portugal v United States
• Vietnam v Netherlands

The Women’s World Cup is starting to get serious. Tuesday was a bit of a moving day as four more nations - The Netherlands, United States, England and Denmark - confirmed their spots in the next knockout phase. That means 10 of the 16 spots have been filled as the tournament comes to an end for nations including China and Portugal.

In the biggest drama of the day, the United States avoided catastrophe when Portugal couldn’t quite score with a few late changes, leaving them with a 0-0 draw. Defeat to the Portuguese would have meant it’s all over for the US. Later, in a compelling performance, England destroyed China 6-1 to signal their credentials.

What does this mean for Australia? Their next opponent is Denmark, impressive 2-0 winners in a surprisingly tough clash against Haiti.

That’s all we have for today. Enjoy your night, and enjoy the Cup.

England has marched into the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup with a dominant 6-1 win over China on Tuesday night in Adelaide.

England finished top of Group D and will play Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday. Australia, who finished top of Group B, will play Denmark in Sydney on the same day.

Lauren James shone again with two fine goals as England put in their best performance of the world cup so far.

England’s Lauren James scored twice to help her side to a 6-1 victory over China.Credit: Reuters

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Gee, that was impressive. England top Group D. And in style!

England 6 China 1

Yep, can’t argue with this:

And aren’t they rapt. Their progression to the round of 16 is secured. And next up? No other team than host nation Australia.

After a match of to-ing and fro-ing, Denmark finally get a second goal very deep into stoppage time. About 11 minutes of stoppage time are due in Perth, too, and the second goal came after 99 minutes of play.

Haiti 0 Denmark 2

There’s been plenty of stoppages in England v China, but that makes for a long match, set to finish comfortably past 11pm AEST (eastern states Australian time).

Mark down this match, a landmark night for the Lionesses. All opponents should sit up and take notice.

In Perth, Denmark finally get another one, making it 2-0 against Haiti. There’s about 10 minutes of regulation time to come, but you can basically lock in Australia v Denmark in the next round.

But, WAIT, there’s a video review ..... and it’s disallowed! Quite a lot of drama in the WA capital tonight.

They have five goals on the board. Yes, I repeat, FIVE goals against China. It’s a dominant showing (and perhaps Australia should be relieved that they won’t play them next).

Acting captain Steph Catley says the Matildas’ comprehensive win over Canada has revealed a new maturity in the team that could take them deep into the World Cup draw.

Under heavy scrutiny and needing a win to avoid crashing out at the group stage, Australia ran all over the Olympic gold medallists and left AAMI Park 4-0 victors.

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