Australia has succumbed to the USA. Photo: Aus Olympic Team - Twitter
Australia’s dream of claiming a first ever medal in football has been crushed after it went down 3-4 to the USA on Thursday night.
America dominated the early proceedings, and was eventually rewarded as it went 1-0 up after eight minutes through Megan Rapinoe curling it in from the corner.
The Matildas continued to rally, as Sam Kerr tucked in the equaliser under the goalkeeper just nine minutes later.
America continued to assault the Australian goals however, as Rapinoe secured her brace with a nice volley after a defensive error.
Australia then found more attacking flare, as Kerr had more opportunities blocked.
Rapinoe had a shout for a penalty deep in the first half, which was checked and cleared by the Video Assistant Referee.
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Australian hearts were broken just before half-time, as Carli Lloyd fired home a neat left foot finish across the keeper to make it 3-1.
Lloyd doubled her tally after Alanna Kennedy headed backwards hoping for keeper Teagan Micah to come collect the ball, allowing the American to score a simple goal.
The Matildas immediately responded, as Kyah Simon dinked a ball into the box and Caitlin Foord lobbed a header over the American keeper.
Kerr nearly made it 4-3 after Hayley Raso lasered a ball which hit Kerr on her head which smashed the post.
Lloyd may have had her hat-trick, but was rightfully called offside 20 minutes from time.
With both sides looking spent, Emily Gielnik who came on as a sub, gave the Matildas a pulse with a rocket from outside the box to make it 4-3 in the 90th minute.
With four minutes added on, momentum slipped as American star Alex Morgan was carried off injured, halting play for two and a half minutes.
Australia had a late chance, which was blocked and looked to have gone out for a corner, before the referee blew for full-time, much to the frustration of the irate Australians.
The United States claimed bronze, which puts it back on the podium after missing out in 2012.
For Australia, it keeps it searching for a maiden medal in football.
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