Brazil defeats Denmark 1-0 to reach women's World Cup quarterfinals

Brazil fought off a determined Denmark Thursday to set up a quarterfinal clash with Australia at the women's World Cup.

The 1-0 win, coupled with China's 2-0 victory over New Zealand, means that Denmark was eliminated along with the Kiwis.

With star Marta pulling the strings, Brazil dominated Denmark but could not score until the first minute of injury time when substitute Pretinha raced onto a through ball and lifted it over the onrushing Danish goalkeeper Heidi Johansen.

Brazil could have scored more except for poor finishing and great goalkeeping by Johansen.

The pro-Brazilian crowd at the Hangzhou Dragon Stadium oohed and awed each time Marta touched the ball, and she did not disappoint, launching passes around the field and dribbling past defenders.

Halfway through the first half, the FIFA player of the year powered by two defenders only to see her shot bounce off the post.

Marta's best chance came with 20 minutes left in the game when she exchanged passes with a teammate and cracked a low shot which a diving Johansen tipped around her post.

The win means Brazil finished top of Group D with nine points and will play Australia, the second-place finisher in Group C, in the quarterfinal on Sunday.

"It will be a very difficult game as the game was against Denmark. I have a strong belief we can get a good result," Brazilian coach Jorge Barcellos said.

He said Brazil had some problems because he decided to rest defender Aline and midfielder Renata Costa due to worries they would pick up a second yellow card and be forced to sit out the quarterfinals.