In the Group A final Portugal sealed their place at the tournament in the most dramatic of fashions, after Carole Costa netted the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 94^th minute, as they beat Cameroon 2-1 at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Portugal took the lead midway through the first half from a set piece, as after a free-kick from Kika hit the post, defender Diana Gomes tapped in from close range to give the European side the lead.

Portugal hit the woodwork on two further occasions, through a header from Kika Nazareth and later a long-range strike from Andreia Norton.

It looked like Portugal’s missed chances would prove costly when Cameroon levelled the match in the 89^th minute, as Ajara Nchout Njoya found the net with a low shot from the edge of the box to make it 1-1.

With normal time nearly up, Portugal were given a golden chance to win the contest as they were awarded a penalty following a handball by Cameroon’s Estelle Johnson.

Costa calmly scored from the penalty spot to spark wild scenes and secure Portugal their first ever appearance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Portugal will feature in Group E alongside holders the United States, the Netherlands and Vietnam.

There was more late drama in the Group B final between Haiti and Chile, as Haiti won 2-1 at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland.

A double from Melchie Dumonay proved decisive for Haiti, with her first goal coming at the end of the first half as she ran through the Chilean defence before hitting a rising shot into the net.

Haiti were awarded a penalty in the 89^th minute but Nerilia Mondesir missed the crucial chance from the spot.

Eight minutes into added time Dumonay looked to have sealed the tie for Haiti as she hit a left-footed shot into the net for 2-0.

Three minutes later Chile bundled in a scrappy late goal, credited to Maria Jose Rojas, however it came too late for them to force an equaliser, with Haiti holding on for a 2-1 win.

This secured Haiti their first ever appearance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will feature in Group D alongside current European champions England, China and Denmark.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Another place at the tournament is set to be decided tomorrow when Paraguay face Panama in the Group C final in Hamilton.