Tokyo Olympics: Heartbreak for Great Britain as they lose to Australia in women’s football

Where do you even start? Ellen White’s hat-trick? Caroline Weir’s missed extra-time penalty? Mary Fowler’s deflected long-range screamer?

Unfortunately it makes little difference. Team GB are out of the Olympics on a dramatic night on which they simply could not waltz past the Matildas.

Hege Riise’s side were one minute from the semi-final. One minute. The lethal White’s second-half brace had cancelled out Alanna Kennedy’s first-half opener and, while it had been an uncomfortable evening, a win was a win. 

But Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, one of the world’s best, was inexplicably given the freedom of Kashima from a deep ball. She took her time, hammered home and took it to extra-time.

Even then, this should not have happened. A soft penalty decision gave Caroline Weir the chance to put Britain ahead but her kick was comfortably saved by Teagan Micah and within two minutes, teenage sub Fowler had struck, albeit with the help of Bronze. 

Heads dropped and not long after the start of the second period, Kerr made it 4-2 with a fine header.  

There was hope when sub Fran Kirby crossed and White nodded in her third. Five minutes to find an equaliser, however, was not enough. 

A tournament that had promised so much left in ruins. This was a sad end. 

With White firing and the defence appearing stingy, Riise had high hopes for a squad that appeared to be getting better and better.

But this can be branded as nothing other than a huge disappointment. The wait for a medal continues.