14.06.2015 09:49 h

Alves fires Brazil into World Cup last 16

A first half Andressa Alves' goal booked South American giants Brazil their ticket to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Spain.

Brazil become the second team to advance to the knock-out rounds after defending champions Japan secured their berth on Friday night.

Marta nearly added to her record World Cup tally of 15 goals on 43 minutes off a corner.

But the star of the night was Alves who pounced on a defensive error by the Europeans a minute later to keep the 2007 runners-up unbeaten after the opening 2-0 defeat of South Korea.

It was the tenth international goal for the 23-year-old midfielder and puts Brazil top of Group E with six points from two games.

Spain have one point after drawing their opener with Costa Rica 1-1. Costa Rica play South Korea later Saturday.

Brazil next play Costa Rica in the final group game on Wednesday with Spain up against South Korea.

The top two teams in each group advance to the knock-out round along with the four best third-place finishers.