ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Tom Maher's advice from day one since he took over as coach of China's women's national team has consisted of one line: "Carry out the instructions and cut down the mistakes."

On Wednesday, as China battled back to beat Belarus 72-67 and reach the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA World Championship for Women for the first time in more than a decade, that advice remained the same.

"We can take on any team if we cut down our mistakes," said the Australian coach, who had an earlier stint in charge of China (2006-2008) during which he took them to the Semi-Finals of the Beijing Olympics.

"Sometimes we look really stupid giving away those loose balls. We miss some silly lay-ups and make some stupid violations. At this level, you can't expect to win doing those things," he said.

Look how we can play if we can cut down our own mistakes. - Maher

"I mean when the scouts tell them (players) do something and they don't do those things we end up looking bad on the scoreboard.

"We were playing an even game (against Belarus), but that was not reflected on the scoreboard," Maher pointed out.

Up next for China is a Quarter-Final date with EuroBasket Women 2013 winners Spain on Friday.

"My call to the players is the same. We can take them down. We just have to hold on to our game," said Maher.

Shao Ting, who played in only her fourth international game in Wednesday's Qualification to the Quarter-Finals clash, has now starred in both of China's wins at Turkey 2014.

The Beijing Great Wall player has been the revelation in China's armory having become the first University player to make the China National team.

"The coach was telling us to just remain cool and continue to play hard," the 24-year-old said.

"I'm very happy that I could play such an important role in such an important game for Chinese basketball. We are a young team and every win for us counts.

"Against Spain too we will come out hard and I hope we can give our best. Anything can happen."

FIBA