Matildas prove they can cut it with world’s best but loss to Canada left them with too big an assignment

THE Matildas’ quarter-final loss to Brazil at Rio 2016 was heartbreaking but our national women’s side shouldn’t have been there in the first place, writes David Davutovic.

THE Matildas’ quarter-final loss to Brazil at Rio 2016 was heartbreaking but their shock opening loss always gave them a mountain to climb.

Australia’s women’s soccer team was rated a medal chance after a stunning qualifying campaign, but the 2-0 loss to Canada was fateful and the circumstances around the performance and preparation for that game in particular and the tournament in general must be reviewed.

Alen Stajcic’s side was seconds away from a game two win before Germany’s late equaliser, but that ultimately meant they had to had to do it the hard way from third in the group.

Drawing Brazil in the quarters left them with a monumental task, but as we’ve come accustomed to with the Matildas, they didn’t give up and took it to the favourites.

Matildas keeper Lydia Williams was a standout. Picture: Getty Images

The performance in isolation against a home side inspired by new national hero Marta and a partisan home crowd in Belo Horizonte was gutsy.

The Olympics are full of heartwarming and heart-wrenching stories and the sight of keeper Lydia Williams and Alanna Kennedy in tears after the game will stay in our consciousness for some time as the Matildas remain medal-less.

Losing Steph Catley on 18 minutes was a cruel blow, considering the hectic Olympic schedule underlined by a high octane 120 minutes.

Her replacement Chloe Logarzo was outstanding, and she came closest to scoring with a stinging, dipping, curving long-distance strike that struck the bar in the 85th minute.

World-class Brazilian attacker Marta caused havoc throughout, but the well-organised Matildas held firm with Williams producing some stunning saves.

Chloe Logarzo came on and very nearly scored an absolute cracker. Picture: Getty Images

Counterpart Barbara was tested during the game, and her exuberance in coming off her line during the shootout raised many eyebrows, but not the officials’.

Williams’ stunning save from Marta in the shootout gave Katrina Gorry a chance to seal it, but Barbara saved.

Kennedy then had her shot saved by Barbara, as Brazil went wild and the Matildas collectively slumped to the floor, heartbroken.

It was an opportunity lost and while the future is bright for women’s soccer, that will be the furthest thing from the girls’ minds right now.

Originally published as Matildas prove they can cut it with world’s best but loss to Canada left them with too big an assignment