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Football - 19. June 2019.

Stars step up as Australia and Brazil march through

  • Sam Kerr hits four as Jamaica score first #FIFAWWC goal
  • Italy stay top despite narrow loss to Brazil
  • Reaction and more: #ITABRA & #JAMAUS Live Blogs

Marta and Sam Kerr will be strutting their stuff in the last 16 after the star pair fired their teams to decisive victories.

The Brazil icon extended her record tally of FIFA Women's World Cup goals to 17 from the penalty spot to end Italy's perfect start, although a superior goal difference takes Le Azzurrethrough as Group C winners.

Kerr, meanwhile, struck four times to join Alex Morgan at the top of the France 2019 scoring chart and inspire a 4-1 victory over Jamaica that also included the Reggae Girlz's first Women's World Cup goal. The last of the Matildas striker's efforts had added significance, too, as it took Australia past Brazil into second place, sending them to Nice to face Norway in the knockout phase.


Italy 0-1 Brazil

Team reporter analysis

Sonja Nikcevic (ITA)
A second comeback in Valenciennes wasn’t in the cards for Italy, who had the good fortune of facing their toughest opponents – technically, at least – when already qualified for the next round. Pushed back into a counter-attacking style from the first minute, Le Azzurre were nonetheless tight at the back and looked dangerous on the break, with the Giacinti-Girelli partnership worrying the Brazil defence. It says everything about the brilliance of the team's two previous displays that, despite today's loss, they still qualify as group winners.​​

Giancarlo Giampietro (BRA)
A great effort by Brazil to inflict a first loss on Italy. Debinha and Andressinha stepped up their play in this critical match, working really well as playmakers, while Marta provided the decisive touch with a historic goal, overtaking Miroslav Klose to become the top scorer in any World Cup – male or female. This Brazil squad has been battling against a serious injury streak, but showed heart and poise to reach the Round of 16.

Jamaica 1-4 Australia

Kayon Davis (JAM)
Jamaica grabbed a historic consolation goal in the final match of their debut campaign and gave a gutsy performance, creating plenty of chances. Once again, however, their finishing was lacking. The defence held up reasonably well but was unbalanced at times, allowing Kerr to run wild. Nonetheless, the Reggae Girlz gave a much better showing than their two previous games. As the team makes their way back to Jamaica, they can hold their heads high.

Peter Smith (AUS)
Another mixed performance from Australia, which very much followed the pattern of their opener against Italy. A strong attacking first half produced two goals but again the Matildas lost their momentum, with their defensive limitations exposed. A stack of experience was missing in Tameka Yallop and Clare Polkinghorne, however, and they will hope to have that know-how to call upon in the last 16.​​

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