Brisbane: Captain Wendy Renard's header seven minutes from time earned France a dramatic 2-1 win over Brazil at Brisbane's Lang Park on Saturday as Herve Renard's side picked up their first win in Group F of the Women's World Cup.
Renard met Selma Bacha's corner with a firm downward header that bounced back up off the turf and beyond goalkeeper Leticia to give the French all three points after opening their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica last Sunday.
Eugenie Le Sommer had put Les Bleues in front in the 17th minute when she steered a close-range header home.
Debinha levelled the scores 13 minutes into the second half, coolly slotting in after Kerolin's shot had been deflected into her path but captain Renard ensured the French move onto four points from their opening two games.
A three-goal blitz just before half-time helped Sweden to a dominant 5-0 win over Italy in Wellington as they booked their spot in the knockout stage with a match to spare.
Amanda Ilestedt scored the first of her two goals in the 39th minute when she got up well to head home Jonna Andersson's corner and further efforts from Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius inside seven minutes ended the match as a contest.
Ilestedt found the net once again shortly after halftime and substitute Rebecka Blomqvist completed the rout in stoppage time.
Italy dominated possession early on but could not deal with the Swedish aerial threat at corners and the 2003 runners-up handed them their worst defeat in a World Cup match.
Although a hammer blow to Italy's confidence, they can still advance to the last 16 by avoiding defeat in their final Group G fixture against South Africa on Wednesday.
