A much-vaunted Australian side recovered from the threat of group stage ignominy in a match featuring five goals, VAR, a comeback from 2-0 down and champion players inspired by enmity for each other.
Given the intense rivalry between the nations in recent tournaments, Fifa proceeded with caution, appointing a Swiss referee. Esther Staubli attempted to govern proceedings with cool neutrality but the temperature only continued to rise inside the Stade de la Mosson.
Marta, back in the blue of Brazil and keen to exert her influence imperiously, received the first talking to. A minute later Andressa caught Tameka Yallop with a flailing arm before the veteran Formiga was the first in the book for a calculated foul. Emily van Egmond and Cristiane squared up off the ball, the snarls continued, Tamires clattered Ellie Carpenter and Caitlin Foord returned the measure on Andressa.