Australia produced a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Brazil 3-2 and relaunch their World Cup campaign. AFP Photo

Li Ying's first-half strike gave former runners-up China a 1-0 victory which ensured that their Group B rivals Germany, as well as hosts France, are the first guaranteed qualifiers for the knockout phase.

The Germans, winners of the World Cup in 2003 and 2007, had beaten Spain 1-0 on Wednesday, having already defeated China by the same scoreline in their first match.

There was drama in Montpellier with Australia, after conceding at the death to lose 2-1 to Italy in their Group C opener, staring at a humiliating early exit as they trailed 2-0 to Brazil.

It was returning superstar Marta, absent from Brazil's 3-0 win against Jamaica due to injury, who gave her team the lead from a first-half penalty, her 16th World Cup goal.

The 33-year-old is now level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint leading goal-scorers in the history of the World Cup, men's and women's combined.

Fresh from her hat-trick against the Jamaicans, Cristiane then headed home to double Brazil's lead, but the Australians produced a stunning fightback. 

Caitlin Foord netted from close range just before the break, and then Chloe Logarzo's ball into the box somehow nestled in the back of the net to level the scores.

The stage was set for the comeback to be completed when Monica headed a hopeful punt forward into her own net in the 66th minute, as Australia became just the second team to win a women's World Cup match from two goals down.

"It was nice to come out swinging when our backs are against the wall. We like a good fight," said Logarzo, who suffered a broken leg in late February.

Suck on that

For Matildas star Sam Kerr, the performance was an answer to the critics who had slammed the team in the wake of their loss against the Italians. 

"There were a lot of critics talking about us, but we're back, so suck on that one," Kerr remarked.

"We don't listen to the haters. I love these girls. You can see what it means to us. We knew we were a top 10 team. Now we're back in it."

For Brazil, it was a first World Cup group-stage loss in 24 years. Marta has now scored in five World Cups, but she went off at half-time.

"It's one more detail written in the history of women's football. I am honoured, but there's more to do at this tournament," Marta said.

The result leaves Australia and Brazil level on points with Italy, who play their second match against Jamaica in Reims on Friday, atop Group C.

The forgiving format means the top three teams could go through to the last 16.

Banyana Banyana beaten

It is that same format which means South Africa's Banyana Banyana are not yet eliminated, despite losing their first two matches at their debut World Cup. 

China grabbed the victory at the Parc des Princes thanks to Li, who got in front of Bambanani Mbane in the box to turn in Zhang Rui's delivery five minutes before half-time.

"This victory belongs to all the players, they deserve it. There will be more battles to come and I hope we can last as long as possible in this tournament," said China coach Jia Xiuquan.

Germany are certain to finish in the top two in the group, but South Africa could in theory still progress with them if they can win when the sides meet in Montpellier on Monday.

France, meanwhile, are certain to at least be one of the best third-placed teams as they already have six points in Group A.

"Obviously the result is not what we wanted but we will dust ourselves off and start looking forward," said South Africa coach Desiree Ellis. AFP