A second-half goal from substitute Kyah Simon put Australia through to the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup on Sunday at the expense of star-studded Brazil.

Simon got the breakthrough after 80 minutes in wet and windy conditions in Moncton against the 2007 runners-up captained by former five-time world player of the year Marta.

Both teams fought to break through with scoring opportunities rare in a tight first half with Marta, Andressina and Formiga all missing the target for the seventh-ranked Brazilians.

Marta missed another chance to add to her World Cup record 15 goals after 62 minutes when she hit wide of goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who did well to keep out a Cristiane effort after 78 minutes.

Australia coach Alen Stajcic brought on Simon after 64 minutes and it paid off with ten minutes to go.

Captain Lisa De Vanna broke through with her shot punched out by Luciana in the Brazil goal straight into the path of the onrushing Simon who made no mistake.

It was her third goal of the tournament after her stunning double against Nigeria in the group stage.
Australia next play either reigning champions Japan or the Netherlands for a place in the semi-finals, footballing giants Brazil again return home to South America still waiting a maiden title.

It is the third time that Australia have reached the quarter-finals after 2007 and 2011, but they had never won a knockout round match before.

The World Cup has a last-16 round for the first time as the tournament has been expanded to 24 teams.

In Sunday's other last 16 games, third-ranked France play South Korea in Montreal with hosts Canada are up against Switzerland in Vancouver.
Source: AFP