Barbara Bonansea ensured Italy made a dramatic return to the Women's World Cup after a 20-year absence on Sunday with a stoppage-time winner that gave her team a last-gasp victory over tournament dark horses Australia. Juventus' Bonansea popped up at the back post to head home the winner having already levelled for the dogged Italians, putting the Azzurre second in Group C, level on three points with Brazil after a Cristiane hat-trick inspired them to a 3-0 thumping of Jamaica in Grenoble.
"What can I say, it's incredible, and scoring with my head as well, which never happens with me," said Bonansea, who scored Italy's first two World Cup goals in two decades. The Australians, tipped by many to have a big impact in France, had taken a first-half lead through hotshot Sam Kerr, but were sloppy at the back and allowed Bonansea to score two cheap goals. The win gives Italy a great chance of sealing qualification when they take on Jamaica on Friday, although Bonansea warded against complacency.
Cristiane stars for Brazil
In Grenoble, Brazil's Cristiane started in place of Marta, who had not recovered from a thigh injury, and fired three goals to ensure her side didn't miss their star attacker. The 34-year-old, collecting her 139th cap, headed in the opener after 15 minutes, scooped a rebound over the line five minutes after the break and capped her treble with a fine free-kick that curled in off the underside of the bar just past the hour.
Jamaica offered little resistance, and although their pace sometimes troubled the opposing defence, Brazil could have won by more. Reggae Girlz goalkeeper Sydney Schneider made a string of good saves including a fine stop of Andressa's weak 38th-minute penalty.