Brazil Advance to 2019 Women's World Cup Knockout Stage After 1-0 Win vs. Italy

Marta scored the winner for Brazil against Italy at the 2019 Women's World Cup on Tuesday as the Selecao booked their place in the knockout stages.  

The 33-year-old struck the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 74 minutes after Debinha was brought down in the area by Italy defender Elena Linari.

Brazil had earlier gone close when Andressinha hit the crossbar with a free-kick, while Italy had a goal ruled out when Cristiana Girelli's effort was correctly disallowed for offside.

Italy went into the game with qualification to the knockout stages already assured after wins over Australia and Jamaica but still named a strong line-up, while Marta started again for Brazil:

Brazil went close to opening the scoring in some style after 17 minutes. Debinha flicked Marta's corner goalwards at the near post from a corner but saw her effort tipped over by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani (U.S. only):

Although it was a bright start from Brazil they continued to leave gaps at the back and were granted a reprieve when Italy had a goal disallowed just before the half-hour mark.

Girelli was given time and space in the penalty area to control a ball, beat her defender and slot home but saw her effort correctly chalked off for offside.

La Azzurre were the better team approaching the break and went close again five minutes before half-time when Barbara Bonansea's volley was parried by Brazil stopper Barbara (U.S. only):

Brazil went close to an opener at the start of the second half. Andressinha beat the wall with her free-kick from just outside the penalty area but was denied by the crossbar.

Kathellen Sousa then nodded another set-piece just wide of goal as Brazil began to turn up the pressure in search in the second half.

Their approach paid off with just under 20 minutes of normal time remaining. Debinha made a strong run into the penalty area and was brought down by Linari.

Marta confidently struck home the resulting spot-kick to write her name into the history books:

Italy did their best to pen Brazil back in the closing stages but never really came close to finding an equaliser.

Substitute Valentina Bergamaschi did have an opportunity with five minutes left to play but could only scuff a shot straight at Barbara as Brazil held on for the win.

What's Next?

Italy progress as group winners despite the defeat, while Brazil go through as one of the four best third-place teams. Australia also progress from Group C after beating Jamaica and finishing second.