Marta said she was representing women in football after becoming the leading scorer in the history of the men's and women's World Cups on Tuesday by firing home the penalty that downed Italy 1-0 and secured Brazil's place in the last 16 of this year's tournament in France.

The 33-year-old, widely considered the best player in the history of the women's game, slammed home from the spot in the 74th minute against Group C winners Italy to secure qualification and take her World Cup tally to 17 after Debinha was bundled over by Elena Linari.

That puts her one ahead of former Bayern Munich and Lazio striker Miroslav Klose in the all-time rankings, and the veteran attacker said the goal was more than just a personal triumph.

"The feeling is a joyful one, definitely, not only for breaking the record but for being able to represent women in doing so," she said.

"And for being able to help my team which is what matters most, qualifying for the next stage of the tournament."

Brazil finished third on goal difference in Group C behind Italy and Australia – who beat Jamaica 4-1 – after all three ended level on six points.

Marta wasn't fazed by the possibility of facing France, who topped Group A with a perfect nine points after scraping past Nigeria on Monday.

"To play against the host nation would be a privilege. The stadium would be full of fans singing," she said.

"I love playing in front of a big crowd whether it's supporting me or is against me. I just want there to be fans who are watching us."

Marta is widely considered the greatest player in the history of the women's game and was hailed by her teammates as an inspiration for others wanting to take up the male-dominated sport.

"She is like an icon for us and I think every year she is breaking records and that's no just important for us but for all of women's soccer. I'm so happy she is Brazilian," said center-back Monica.

Fellow defender Tamires added: "We have a lot of young players coming up and I hope they look to her and how she plays, what makes her so special and so incredible and follow her."

The defeat wasn't enough to dislodge Italy from top spot and a match with one of the four best third-placed finishers.

"It's a shame about the result because we didn't want to lose but we played well enough to have drawn it," said Juventus attacker Babara Bonansea, who twice went close for Italy before Marta claimed her record goal.

"We knew that today was going to be difficult but we were good. Let's see who our next match is with."

Marta's winner overshadowed another historic feat for Sam Kerr, who became the first Australian to score a World Cup hat-trick as she crashed four past eliminated Jamaica in Grenoble.

"It's one to tell my kids about," Kerr said. "Any time you break a record, especially for your country, it is an amazing feeling."

The Matildas will play Norway in Nice in the last 16 on Saturday.

England need a point against Japan on Wednesday to ensure they top Group D and avoid a potential last-16 clash with European champions the Netherlands.

Topping the group would, however, also put them on the same side of the draw as both France and potentially the World Cup holders USA.

Coach Phil Neville said Tuesday admitted there were "pitfalls in finishing first and second" as he reported that his squad was fully fit with striker Toni Duggan available after missing the wins over Scotland and Argentina.