Great Britain enjoyed their finest result in their brief history as a women’s football nation as they beat female soccer superpower Brazil 1-0 to advance into the Olympic quarter-finals on Tuesday.

In front of a crowd of more than 70,000 at London’s Wembley Stadium, Stephanie Houghton who has now scored in all three matches this tournament, gave the hosts a dream start when, in the second minute, she rounded goalkeeper Andreia for what turned out to be the game’s only goal.

But Andreia ensured Brazil stayed in the match with a penalty save early in the second half of this Group E clash.

Brazil’s Francielle tripped Eni Aluko as she bore down on goal and there was no doubt about the award of a spot-kick.

However, Andreia guessed correctly by diving to herleft to parry a penalty from Kelly Smith that was too close to the keeper.

But the save failed to inspire Brazil to an equaliser and Britain, in their first Olympic women’s tournament, will now face Canada for a place in the semi-finals in Coventry on Friday.

“The whole day has just been fantastic,” said Houghton. “It’s unbelievable and amazing.

“To play in front of 70,000 people, you couldn’t dream of a better day.”

 As for her goal, Houghton added: “I thought the goalkeeper would get there first, but I just got it past her and then hit it as fast as I could.”

Earlier, world champions Japan advanced into the last eight after a goalless draw with South Africa in Cardiff.