Superstar striker Marta scored a record 15th World Cup goal on Tuesday as she helped Brazil claim a convincing 2-0 opening match win against South Korea in Montreal.

Veteran teammate Formiga, 37, had gotten Brazil's first goal after 33 minutes following a huge error in the South Korean defence, with 29-year-old Marta then stepping up to convert a penalty on 53 minutes.

It was the 15th goal for Marta in four editions of the tournament and saw her overtake Germany's Birgit Prinz as the holder of the most World Cup goals.

Former five-time world player of the year Marta coolly rolled the ball into the left of Jun Min-kyung in the Korean goal after Formiga had been fouled inside the box by midfielder Cho Soh-yun.

For Marta it was a 92nd goal in 93 internationals spanning 13 years, and keeps the Brazilians hopes of a maiden world title on track after a runners-up spot in 2007.

Formiga is also making history as she competes in a record sixth World Cup, along with Japan's Homare Sawa.

Her goal was her 20th in 137 international appearances.

Brazil's group rivals Spain and Costa Rica, both newcomers to the competition, played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day in the Quebec city.

Marta's reigning six-time Copa America champions next play Spain on Saturday with South Korea who are competing in their second World Cup and first since 2003, taking on Costa Rica.