Women's World Cup, Italy 0 Brazil 1: Marta breaks World Cup record to guarantee progression

Marta made history as Brazil beat Italy 1-0 to guarantee its place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup.

Brazil knew that a point in Valenciennes would be enough to confirm its progression from Group C regardless of Australia's result with Jamaica.

And it was Marta who took the glory on Tuesday, scoring from the spot in the 74th minute for her 17th World Cup goal and overtaking Miroslav Klose's previous record, which she had matched with a spot-kick in the defeat to Australia on matchday two.

ITALY vs BRAZIL, as it happened

Cristiana Girelli had a goal ruled out for Italy in the first half, but Brazil's improved performance in the second half was rewarded when Marta converted from 12 yards after Elena Linari had barged into Debinha.

Italy looked to have gone ahead when Girelli brilliantly took in a cross before dispatching a composed finish into the top-left corner, only for the offside flag to cut her celebrations short.

Barbara came to Brazil's rescue six minutes before half-time, reacting sharply to keep out Barbara Bonansea's close-range volley.

READ : Marta makes World Cup history with record 17th goal

Having replaced the suspended Formiga, Andressinha went close to marking her first appearance of the tournament with a stunning goal seven minutes after the restart, but her exquisite free-kick clipped off the crossbar.

But Brazil went up a gear, and after Kathellen and substitute Beatriz had both gone close, it was gifted the chance to make a breakthrough when Linari clumsily brought down Debinha.

Marta made no mistake, calmly sending Laura Giuliani the wrong way to claim victory, though Australia's 4-1 win over Jamaica meant Brazil progressed as one of the best third-placed sides, while Italy qualified as group winners.