Re-live Olympics football quarter-final: Matildas v Brazil

THE Matildas have suffered Olympic Games heartbreak, losing their quarterfinal to Brazil on penalties after having a shot to win the game in Belo Horizonte.

Tony Harper in Rio

3 min read

August 13, 2016 - 3:31PM

Australia's Alanna Kennedy.

Football

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THE Matildas have suffered Olympic Games heartbreak, losing their quarterfinal to Brazil on penalties after having a shot to win the game in Belo Horizonte.

Katrina Gorry’s fifth penalty had a chance to win it after five time world player of the year Marta had Brazil’s fourth kick saved by Lydia Williams, but she was denied by Brazilian keeper Barbara.

Three shots later defender Alanna Kennedy had her shot saved, sending the Matildas out of the Games and denying them a first ever semi at a major tournament.

A distraught Kennedy was consoled by teammates as the capacity crowd and Brazilian players celebrated.

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Australia's Alanna Kennedy after missing her penalty.

Brazil had the better of the match and Australia came closest to scoring when Chloe Logarno drilled a long range shot against the cross bar in the 86th minute.

Jeered every time they touched the ball by a hostile crowd, the Matildas began nervously but settled in well in an even first half that had chances at both ends.

Steph Catley, who missed an earlier game in the pool stages through injury, was forced off inside the opening 20 minutes for Logarzo but Australia defended resolutely when required.

Brazil’s Thaisa battles against Michelle Heyman.

Alen Stajcic’s team clearly fancied their chances with pace against the Brazilian back line with quick long balls played from the back, while the Brazilians favoured more patient buildup.

Australia was lucky to escape with two minutes left in the first half when Debinha stole in behind the defence but lifted her shot over Lydia Williams and the bar.

Earlier Williams had to beat away a powerful shot from Debinha after a cute turn left Elise Kellond-Knight on the ground.

But Australia had their chances too with Catley drifting a cross from the left just past the far post.

Brazil’s Thaisa challenges Chloe Logarzo for the ball.

Soon after, a fortunate ball allowed Kyah Simon a clear sight on goal but, adjudging the angle was against her, she slid the ball across the box and two Matildas narrowly failed to run it home. It was Australia’s best chance before Logarzo’s late stunner.

The hosts played some beautiful football after the break and first threatened when Andressa Alves, full of trickery with the ball at her feet, found space in the box to drill a deflected shot well held by Willliams.

On 49 minutes a freekick to Australia was lifted in by Emily van Egmond, Sam Kerr got free of her marker but was just unable to leap high enough to meet the header, just eight metres from goal.

Brazil came close to the opener on 52 when a long ball caught out the defence, Alves got in behind and Kennedy bravely turned the ball behind as a goal looked likely. As she did so she crunched into Williams and the Matildas keeper needed extensive treatment before resuming.

Brazil’s Beatriz collides with Lydia Williams and Alanna Kennedy.

The Matildas were being pegged back for sustained periods so, with an hour gone, Stajcic made a switch, replacing ineffectual Simon with Michelle Heyman, a scorer of two goals in the final group game. Also off on 74 minutes was De Vanna for Clare Polkinghorne.

Marta was carded for a trip on Logarzo while Kennedy chopped down Beatriz and also got a yellow as both sides increased their intensity. The Brazilian almost scored soon after turning her header just wide as Australia started to rock.

At the death the Matildas owed a massive debt to Williams who denied Alves with a stunning finger tip stop as Brazil drew a blank despite 20 shots to seven.

Lydia Williams grabs the ball.

Caitlin Foord had the first chance of extra time, getting free in the box on the right. Her blazing drive hit the net, but, unfortunately for Australia it was the side.

Brazil pressed hard but against Australia could have delivered a KO blow with five minutes left as Foord found space but dragged her shot wide from inside the area.

With a minute left Marta escaped a sprawling Kellond-Knight down the right and Williams dived low to run away her goal bound shot.

There was time for one more corner, which the Aussies survived before heading into the penalties.

The first eight kicks were converted when Marta stepped forward. Her low shot was brilliantly kept out by Williams leaving the Matildas a shot from 12 yards to go through.

Brazil goalkeeper Barbara stops a penalty.

Gorry thundered her effort but Barbara flew to her right to save well. The keeper clearly moved early on every penalty, but the referee wouldn’t pull her up.

Into sudden death andAustralia was always chasing the count. When Kennedy stepped up she did so with just tw goals in 47 internationals to her name. She tried to bend it into the right corner but it was at a good height for Barbara to make the save.