The incredible unbeaten streak continues. France had never lost against Brazil before this match, and their 12th encounter was no different with a 1-0 victory. It is now seven wins and five draws in favour of the French, but more importantly Les Bleues have gained the all important top spot in Group F ahead of the last group game against Panama on Wednesday.

The two oldest and most experienced players in the team, Eugenie Le Sommer, 34, and Wendie Renard, 33, were the heroes with a goal in each half in a game dominated by their team in a much-improved performance from the 0-0 draw against Jamaica.

It must have felt like a home match for Brazil with their wonderful support in full voice, but despite the samba vibes and the momentum from their great win against Panama (4-0), they never really got their game going against a France team under huge pressure after their opening display.

With the two teams going toe-to-toe with 4-4-2 formations, an open game always seemed likely, and it delivered. It was intense, it was mad end-to-end action at times and while France deserved to win, they almost let it slip by conceding an equaliser to Debinha in the second half.

But maybe the return of the famous tight white shirt on coach Hervé Renard brought his winning luck back, too. After two games in a row without scoring (Australia in a friendly and Jamaica) for the first time in six years, it was far more convincing from the French. Grace Geyoro was fantastic in midfield, playing like a Brazilian in the way she bossed the game; Maelle Lakrar was solid at the back and Wendie Renard, who was doubtful due to a calf problem and only passed fit a few hours before kick off, scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute.

For Le Sommer, it was a more usual feeling. She opened the scoring with her 90th goal for France on her 181st cap, showing again what an amazing striker she is.

France now know they only need a point against Panama to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Sweden thrash Italy to qualify for knockout rounds

If you are going to stop Sweden, who are now safely through to the round of 16, then you will have to learn how to defend their set plays. Three of their goals in Saturday's 5-0 win over Italy in Group G came from corners, with defender Amanda Ilestedt scoring two of them to take her tally to three in the tournament. Fridolina Rolfo turned home another at the back post, while Stina Blackstenius and Rebecka Blomqvist scored from open play. Doing the most damage, though, is left-back Joma Andersson , whose in-swinging deliveries are causing teams a huge amount of problems. It was her delivery -- and Ilestedt's header -- which secured a 90th-minute win over South Africa in the opener.

Italy had actually started well at Wellington Regional Stadium, known locally as the Cake Tin. Sofia Cantore drew two early saves from Zecira Musovic as the Azzurri set about following up their win over Argentina with another three points. They lost their way in the seven minutes before half-time, though, with Ilestedt and Rolfo both netting from corners before Blackstenius added the third. Another Andersson corner was turned home by Ilestedt just after the break, with Blomqvist adding the fifth late on.

Sweden are through with a game to spare; Italy will seek consolation in the fact they still have their fate in their own hands going into Wednesday's deciding game against South Africa