Six-time world player of the year Marta scored a record 17th World Cup finals goal to clinch Brazil's place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Italy, who topped Group C on goal difference.
The 33-year-old Brazil legend's nerveless, second-half penalty saw her become the all-time leading scorer at men's or women's World Cups, surpassing retired Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
Italy, who had already qualified, went close twice through Juventus' Barbara Bonansea in the first half, but faded after the break in Valenciennes.
But an experienced Brazil side, who clipped the bar through Andressinha's fine second-half free-kick, narrowly missed out on second spot as Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 to pip Vadao's side on goals scored.
The South Americans now look set to face hosts France in the next round in Le Havre on Sunday, unless a relatively unlikely combination of results later this week puts them on a path to meet Germany on Saturday instead.
As group winners, Italy will play against a third-placed team in the last 16, with Nigeria or China their most likely opponents.
Latest Stories
-
US issues fresh round of sanctions against Russia ahead of Trump return to White House
14 minutes -
Death toll from South African mine siege rises to 78, rescued now at 166
26 minutes -
Biden takes aim at ‘tech industrial complex’ in farewell speech
36 minutes -
Biden says Gaza deal based on his framework while Trump claims credit
49 minutes -
The would-be African nation in love with Donald Trump
3 hours -
Ex-convict, 22, jailed in Tarkwa for threatening to stab student
3 hours -
JoyNews poll: Akufo-Addo, his government’s ‘killer’ taxes and nepotism blamed for NPP’s 2024 defeat
3 hours -
Malian PM arrives in Accra with special message for Mahama
4 hours -
Barca scores 5 again in Copa del Rey win over Betis
5 hours -
Harry Kane scores again as Bayern thrash Hoffenheim
5 hours -
Arsenal win North-London derby to close gap at the top
5 hours -
Djokovic breaks Federer record in Melbourne win
5 hours -
Foreign Affairs Ministry lists categories of recalled diplomatic and service passports
5 hours -
NAELP refutes defamatory claims, highlights achievements
6 hours -
2024 Election: Voter apathy caused NPP’s defeat – Justin Kodua
7 hours