The Matildas' World Cup dream is over after their barnstorming and heartbreaking round of 16 clash with Norway ended in a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat.
After Isabell Herlovssen's first-half opener, Elise Kellond-Knight drew Australia level with a stunning 83rd-minute equaliser direct from a corner, with the scores level at 1-1 at the end of regulation time and extra time in Nice.
Elise Kellond-Knight of Australia celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 Source: Getty Images
The Matildas clung on for spot kicks despite Alanna Kennedy's 104th minute dismissal but Sam Kerr and Emily Gielnik botched their penalties for Australia's worst World Cup result in 16 years.
After a tournament of absurd highs and morale-sapping lows, the task was simply too much for Australia at the Allianz Riviera disappointing fans across the country and beyond.
Avalon Soccer club under 11s team had woken up early to watch, but were devastated to see their idols lose. The Matildas recent success has been credited with a surge in support of women's soccer, "They're playing heaps more," says Avalon soccer coach, Jason Hitchman, "they're playing at school and everything now, not just on weekends. Playing with the boys as well, having a great time."
There were sad faces in Avalon at the end of the game, but as one girl said, "Even if they do win or lose, it's really fun to watch, and really inspiring."
The Matildas were lion-hearted in pursuing and nabbing an equaliser, but then subject to a wave of Norwegian attacks that came with Kennedy's dismissal.
Sam Kerr of Australia speaks to her team during a team huddle prior to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between Norway and Australia Source: Getty Images
Penalties brought renewed hope but that was dashed with Kerr's awful spot kick.
The Matildas captain confidently stepped up to take Australia's first effort but spooned it high and wide.
Gielnik had the Matildas' second effort, which was impressively saved by 39-year-old goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth.
That effectively killed Australia's hopes of a second stirring World Cup comeback after their 3-2 retrieval against Brazil in the group stage.
Source: SBS
Ante Milicic returned to the eleven that dismantled Brazil for Australia's knockout World Cup clash with Norway, making four changes to his Matildas team.
Elise Kellond-Knight and Tameka Yallop have come in after missing the 4-1 smashing of Jamaica, while Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso have been promoted from their substitute roles.
Lisa De Vanna, Katrina Gorry, Emily Gielnik and Karly Roestbakken drop out of the eleven.
The side to face Norway is the same that performed the Miracle in Montpellier, coming back from 2-0 down to defeat nemesis Brazil 3-2, with the exception of Raso in the place of Gielnik.
Gielnik seems certain to get game time against the Grasshoppers after impressing in her two outings in France.
Australia must get past Norway if they are to reach the quarter finals for a fourth straight tournament.
If they do, they will head to Le Havre for a likely blockbuster with England in the last eight.
