Tokyo 2020 Women’s Football: Team GB knocked out of the Olympics after Australia edge a seven-goal thriller

It was a game of missed chances for Team GB as a nail-biting seven-goal thriller saw Australia book their place in the semi-finals.

In an empty Kashima Stadium, the two teams walked out to face off in their first international tournament meeting; full of confidence from their group stage performances.

With GB on top from the first whistle, their high pressing play put the Aussies under pressure. Rachel Daly had two early chances to open the scoring before Keira Walsh unleashed a rocket that bounced off the post. Youngster Lauren Hemp was once again showing her class by using her speed and power to move the ball around and set up her teammates.

Against the run of play, it was the Matildas who opened the scoring in the 35th minute. The GB defenders were unable to outjump Alanna Kennedy, who rose high in the box to connect to the corner, successfully putting away their first attempt on goal and giving them the advantage at the break.

It was a shaky start to the second-half for Hege Riise’s side as they seemed to step off the gas, allowing Australia to enjoy possession and create chances in front of goal.

Just when GB needed a spark, their top goalscorer Ellen White gave them a much-needed equaliser. Hemp’s pinpoint cross met the head of the oncoming forward, directing a clinical header past Australia’s goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

After the bar gave GB a lucky escape, superstar White found the back of the net just 10 minutes after she put her team ahead. Having the tournament of her life, she found space in the box to slot the ball into the back of the net.

With full-time and a spot in the semi-finals approaching GB were caught napping. Poor defending allowed Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr to bring the game level, setting her body up in plenty of time to find the back of the net and push the game into extra-time.

With legs tiring, it was important for all players to remain focused. When Riise’s side were given a lifeline after a foul on Nikita Parris, Caroline Weir stepped up to the spot. However, Micah guessed the right way and her spot-kick was saved.

GB were punished just minutes later when 18-year-old Mary Fowler unleashed a stinger from the edge of the box. Ellie Roebuck had no chance of stopping the killer shot and Australia were once again in control.

Already on the back foot, Team GB were faced with a mountain to climb when Kerr netted her second shortly after when the Aussie forward beat Steph Houghton to the ball which increased Australia’s advantage.

With time and a place in the semis slipping away, White completed her hat-trick in the dying minute which reduced the deficit but it wasn’t enough to turn the game around.

Australia’s victory has earned them a semi-final game against high-flying Sweden, while Team GB will now return home to meet up with the club teams.

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