Montpellier, Thursday: Australia fought back from two goals down to beat Brazil 3-2 in Montpellier on Thursday and keep their Women's World Cup hopes alive.
Marta, with a penalty, and Cristiane, with her fourth goal of the tournament, put Brazil two up after 38 minutes.
But Australia fought back to inflict a first World Cup group-stage loss on Brazil in 24 years.
Marta has now scored in five World Cups and the penalty increased her record tally of goals in finals to 16.
"It would feel much better with a win," she said. "It's one more detail written in the history of women's football. I am honoured, but there's more to do at this tournament."
Brazil cracked under the Matildas' relentless barrage of crosses.
Caitlin Foord scored in first-half added time. Then two ugly Brazilian misjudgements presented Australia with the lead.
First, Barbara reacted too late to Chloe Logarzo's low cross and allowed it to bounce into the net in the 58th minute.
Then, Monica headed a long, hopeful Australian punt into her own net after 66 minutes with the goal standing after a VAR review.
"It was nice to come out swinging when our backs are against the wall," Logarzo said of Australia's second half. "We like a good fight."
The match proved a vindication of the tactics which had been heavily criticised after the opening loss to Italy. Again they methodically worked the ball down the flanks and put in a string of high crosses, even though the players waiting in the centre were often star striker Sam Kerr, who is 1.68m (5ft 6in) and Tameka Yallop who is 1.60m (5 ft 3in). - AFP
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