Brazil beat hosts France 1-0 in Nantes to reach the Olympic women's football semi-finals and extend the top-level international career of legendary striker Marta.
Marta, a six-time world player of the year, was suspended for the quarter-finals after receiving a red card in Brazil's loss to Spain in their final group game.
At the time, with Brazil struggling to even get past the group stage, it seemed like a sad end to the Olympic career of the 38-year-old, who announced she would retire from international football this year.
But after struggling to make ends meet in third place in their group with two defeats in three games, Brazil won without the player widely regarded as the greatest of all time in women's football.
Gabi Portilho scored the decisive goal, breaking through two defenders and firing past goalkeeper Constance Picaud in the 82nd minute, much to the delight of Marta watching from the stands.
Brazil, with Marta back from suspension, will face a rematch with Spain in the semi-finals on Tuesday and are guaranteed a chance to play for a medal.
Despite all her accolades, Marta has never won an Olympic title or a women's World Cup with Brazil. The team came close to achieving this twice, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008.
France paid the price for failing to capitalise on their chances in the first half, when Sakina Karchaoui saw a penalty saved by Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena in the 16th minute.
Griedge Mbock Bathy then headed against the bar from a corner in the 39th minute.
Portilho's goal was Brazil's first shot on target and he then hit the post later in the game.
Former world champions Spain overcame a 2-0 deficit to advance to the semi-finals after beating Colombia on penalties.
Spain won 4-2 on penalties at the Stade de Lyon, with Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí scoring the decisive spot-kick.
Catalina Usme and Liana Salazar failed to score from the penalty spot for Colombia, which seemed headed for the semi-finals after taking a 2-0 lead through Mayra Ramírez and Leicy Santos.
Jenni Hermoso had sparked Spain's comeback in the second half and Irene Paredes forced the match into extra time with an equaliser in the seventh minute of added time.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
