THE World Cup dream of Dubbo's Ash Sykes and her Matildas teammates is over after the girls were knocked out of the tournament courtesy of an agonising last-gasp defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals on Sunday morning (AEST) in Edmonton.
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After weathering 85 minutes of the world champions' attacking efforts, Australia were undone by Mana Iwabuchi's scrappy goal.
The Japanese substitute found space at the back post to beat Lydia Williams and end the Matildas' run at the quarter-final stage for the third straight World Cup.
Sykes saw about five minutes of action late in the contest after the Japanese goal, as coach Alan Stajcic went in search of an equaliser in the dying stages.
"We had a great World Cup, made it out of the group of death, beat Brazil and really felt we were on a roll and about to create history again," Williams said
"To go out in the last few minutes of normal time was pretty devastating."
The result mirrors the Matildas' loss in last year's Asian Cup final and sends Japan into the last four, where they will play England (2-1 last-eight winners over hosts Canada) for a place in the World Cup final.
Stajcic conceded Japan were deserved winners.
"In terms of courage, heart and spirit, (the Matildas were) fantastic. In terms of execution, not one of our best games," he said.
"Japan were the better team today. It was a scrappy way to score a goal but you can't say they didn't deserve their victory."
Australia were left in the shade by an energetic Japanese outfit, with centre-backs Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy among the Matildas' busiest and best players.
Despite Stajcic's pre-match comments that Australia were the fittest team left in the tournament, Japan worked harder.
Japan's sharp passing game allowed them to dictate terms, with their defensive commitment giving the Matildas no room for creativity.
The Matildas were reliant on the dribbling ability of wide forwards Lisa De Vanna and Sam Kerr to attack.
But the corner count of 8-0 told the story, with Australia unable to use their height advantage from set pieces.
Stajcic threw on forwards Larissa Crummer and Michelle Heyman as he tried to find a way through the stubborn Japanese defence.
But, it was Australia who were undone after the gutsy Azusa Iwashimizu fed the ball to the unmarked Iwabuchi to sneak home a winner.
Elise Kellond-Knight told SBS she took pride in their performances, believing the team's best was yet to come.
"I'm so proud of the girls. We fought till the end, we did make history and did win a knockout game," she said.
"It's unfortunate we didn't go further and I'm absolutely shattered but the future looks bright and I'm excited for 2019."
Stajcic said Japan provided a template for improvement for the Australian team, who would aim to qualify in February for the Rio Olympic Games.
"We can grow tremendously," he said.
"I'm obviously disappointed by the result but, if you look at the big scheme of things, we lost 1-0 ... against the current world champions.
"By the time the Olympics come around, we want to take some more steps forward."
England and Japan will play on Thursday morning (AEST) for a berth in the final against the United States or Germany who play their semi-final a day earlier.
