The 33-year-old forward, named world player of the year on six occasions, calmly slotted a 74th-minute penalty against already-qualified Italy at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.

That handed the Brazilians a 1-0 win and saw them progress as the third-best team in Group C.

Significantly, Marta’s spot-kick saw her bag a record 17th World Cup goal, meaning she surpassed the scoring achievements of Germany legend Miroslav Klose in the equivalent men’s tournament.

Australia also booked their spot in the knockout stage – and a date with Norway in Nice on Saturday – after thumping Jamaica 4-1 at Stade des Alpes in Grenoble.

It proved the Sam Kerr show, the 25-year-old scoring all four goals for the Matildas.

The Chicago Red Stars ace put her side 2-0 up at the break with a pair of well-taken efforts.

Havana Solaun pulled one back soon after the restart but Kerr added a couple more to become the tournament’s joint leading scorer alongside the United States’ Alex Morgan.

Tomorrow, Group D takes centre stage as England face Japan – with both teams already through – while Argentina clash with Scotland.