Brazil were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup yesterday after a surprise 1-0 defeat by Australia in the round of 16.

A goal from Kyah Simon 10 minutes from the end earned Australia a place in the quarter-finals where they will face the Netherlands or Japan.

It was an intense physical battle on a wet artificial surface with chances at a premium, but Australia’s strong defending and aggressive counter-attacking paid off in the end.

The winner came when Lisa De Vanne broke down the right and fired in a low shot which Brazil keeper Luciana spilled out and Simon pounced to slot home.

It was the only goal Brazil conceded in the tournament but it cost them dearly.

Twice champions Germany and a resurgent China reached the quarter-finals after contrasting victories in the first matches of the knock-out phase of the competition on Saturday.

Germany crushed Sweden 4-1 in Ottawa with Celia Sasic scoring in each half.

Anja Mittag and Dzsenifer Marozsan also found the target for the pre-tournament favourites.

A 12th minute goal from Wang Shanshan was all that separated China from a lively Cameroon with some resilient defending ensuring a place in the last eight for the 1999 runners-up.

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