Cristiane scored in the final moments to hand Brazil a 1-0 win over New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.
It was Brazil who started the stronger and they might have been three goals up inside 15 minutes but for strong goalkeeping from Jenny Bindon.
Cristiane twice came close along with Formiga early in the match, but the experienced stopper denied the Brazilians the lead.
The Kiwis' first chance of the match fell to Betsy Hassett after 17 minutes, but she could only fire wide with the goal gaping.
Cristiane and Ester again came close in the latter stages of the half, but Bindon remained on top in her duel with the Brazilian attack.
Amber Hearn carried New Zealand's main threat in the final moments of the opening period, and she fired wide with a stinging effort after 40 minutes.
Brazil continued to threaten early in the second with Cristiane and Maurine both coming close, but it was Hearn who remained the game's outstanding player for the Kiwis.
Brazil took their number of attempts to 14 deep into the second period, and they secured all three points in the final moments when Cristiane struck from close range.
Brazil have all-but booked their spot in the next round.
Matt Law
