Fernandes lifts Brazil past Costa Rica

Brazil's Poliana (left) and Costa Rica's Carolina Venegas vie for the ball during the second half of a FIFA Women's World Cup soccer game in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on Wednesday.
Brazil's Poliana (left) and Costa Rica's Carolina Venegas vie for the ball during the second half of a FIFA Women's World Cup soccer game in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada on Wednesday.
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AFP, Moncton :
A late Raquel Fernandes goal ensured Brazil finished top of Group E on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory that sent Costa Rica out of the Women’s World Cup.
Fernandes, 24, scored seven minutes from time as the 2007 runners-up topped their group with a maximum nine points. They will play Australia in the last 16 in Moncton on Sunday.
South Korea take the second automatic qualifying spot after their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Spain in Ottawa and next play France on Sunday.
Brazil coach Vadao left star Marta, Cristiane and Formiga on the bench for the clash, with the South Americans already assured of topping the group after two prior victories.

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