Marta becomes record scorer at World Cup finals as Brazil beat Italy to reach last 16
- Published
Highlights: Italy 0-1 Brazil
Six-time world player of the year Marta scored a record 17th World Cup finals goal to clinch Brazil's place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Italy, who topped Group C on goal difference.
The 33-year-old Brazil legend's nerveless, second-half penalty saw her become the all-time leading scorer at men's or women's World Cups, surpassing retired Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
Italy, who had already qualified, went close twice through Juventus' Barbara Bonansea in the first half, but faded after the break in Valenciennes.
But an experienced Brazil side, who clipped the bar through Andressinha's fine second-half free-kick, narrowly missed out on second spot as Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 to pip Vadao's side on goals scored.
The South Americans now look set to face hosts France in the next round in Le Havre on Sunday, unless a relatively unlikely combination of results later this week puts them on a path to meet Germany on Saturday instead.
As group winners, Italy will play against a third-placed team in the last 16, with Nigeria or China their most likely opponents.
All the goals as Marta makes history, Kerr hits four & Jamaica celebrate
Brazil find a way but face tough last-16 tie
Brazil, winners of the past three Copa Americas, have now reached the knockout stage at six consecutive Women's World Cups.
They had looked set to ease into the last 16 after winning their opening match and then taking a 2-0 lead over Australia last time out, before succumbing to a dramatic 3-2 loss to the Matildas that left them with work to do against Italy.
A draw with the Azzurri would have been enough to guarantee qualification for Vadao's side, but Marta's late winner made their progression more comfortable, much to the relief of their passionate fans inside an engaged Stade du Hainaut.
This technical game's decisive moment came when Italy defender Elena Linari knocked Debinha over in the box, with Marta showing no nerves as she sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Substitute Beatrix had earlier flicked narrowly wide as Brazil had the better of the second half, but their capitulation against Australia has ultimately left them facing a much tougher last-16 tie than they would have hoped for.
Marta scores penalty to become all-time World Cup top scorer
Impressive Italy exceed group expectations despite loss
The Azzurri, who saw the excellent Cristiana Girelli's first-half goal correctly ruled out for offside, will play in Montpellier next Tuesday, 25 June.
Their opponents are yet be confirmed, but they will fancy their chances of progressing further, with the Juventus trio of Bonansea, Girelli and Valentina Cernoia again combining well going forward.
Milena Bertolini's improving side - playing in their first World Cup for 20 years - have caught the eye in this tournament as something of a surprise package.
Ranked 15th in the world - five places below 2007 runners-up Brazil - they started brightly, but came under pressure from the South Americans midway through an entertaining first half.
They looked set to be involved in a goalless World Cup draw for the first time, before Atletico Madrid's Linari barged over Debinha and Mexican referee Lucila Venegas correctly awarded the spot kick.
But the Italians were still celebrating at full-time with their delighted fans, having secured top spot in a fiercely-contested group that looked wide open before the tournament began.
Brazil maintain qualification record - stats
Italy have progressed to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup for just the second time in the team's history, 1991 the other occasion.
Brazil have progressed to the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup the last six times they have participated in the competition (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019).
Brazil have scored in each of their past 21 group stage matches at the Women's World Cup, last failing to do so in 1991 against Sweden.
Another record for Marta - the Brazilian is also the outright top scorer in group stage games at the Women's World Cup with 11.
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