Italy and Australia narrowly finished first and second respectively in FIFA Women’s World Cup Group C, Brazil going through in third after defeating the Azzurre with a record-breaking goal by Marta.
First ever WWC goal for Jamaica but four for Kerr
Sam Kerr scored twice in each half as Australia beat Jamaica 4-1 but the Reggae Girlz also had reason to celebrate, as Havana Solaun scored their first ever goal at a World Cup.
Kerr met Emily Gielnik’s 11th-minute cross with a fine header and struck again when unchallenged right in front of goal from Katrina Gorry’s delivery.
Early in the second half, Khadija Shaw played in substitute Solaun who rounded keeper Lydia Williams and slotted the ball perfectly between two retreating defenders.
Jamaica had chances to equalise before Kerr took advantage of a deflection off Sashana Campbell and a failed clearance from goalkeeper Nicole McClure to score twice more, her tally the best-ever for an Australian at a World Cup game.
The Matildas finished second in the table on goals scored and now have a knockout clash with Norway on Saturday.
Marta becomes all-time World Cup top scorer
Italy went down 1-0 to a penalty by Marta, whose 17th goal saw her become the all-time leading scorer at men’s or women’s World Cups, eclipsing the record of Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
Barbara Bonansea was twice close to giving the Azzure a first-half advantage, while Andressinha’s free kick hit the bar for Brazil after the break.
The decisive moment came on 75 minutes, as Elena Linari fouled Debinha and Marta converted the resulting penalty.
While Brazil could now be headed for a clash with France on Sunday, Italy might well face Nigeria or China.
