Team GB 3-4 Australia (aet): White hat-trick in vain as Brits crash out

Ellen White’s hat-trick was not enough as Australia beat Team GB 4-3 in a pulsating Olympic women’s football quarter-final.

After the Aussies made it 2-2 with two minutes of normal time remaining, Caroline Weir’s penalty miss in the first half of extra-time proved costly.

The Matildas scored goals either side of the break before White set up a grandstand finish in Japan.

But it was not to be for Hege Riise’s side and ex-England international Sue Smith felt the Brits were let down by their defending of crosses. 

Crosses cause GB issues

Smith, 41, said: "It's been absolutely nerve-racking

"That's been a problem all game, deliveries into the box. You have to close the cross down because you know how clinical they are in the box when they get the chance.

"Steph Houghton gets beat by Sam Kerr — and we know how dangerous she is. Again, poor defending but you don't want to take away from Australia. They know their strengths."

Smith added: "I'm ust really gutted for Team GB, they gave absolutely everything in that game.

"It changed with the missed penalty but I don't want to criticise Weir because I think she's had a brilliant tournament. Absolutely fair play to Australia. 

"They played their game, took their moments and have been clinical. Kerr was excellent again and they go on."

The Aussies took the lead through Alanna Kennedy before White nodded GB level and then fired them ahead with a low strike inside the box.

Kerr’s late equaliser took the game to extra-time and Riise’s side were handed the perfect opportunity when Nikita Parris was nudged over in the box.

But Weir’s poor penalty was pushed away by the impressive Teagan Micah. And almost immediately after that, Mary Fowler’s deflected effort flew into the top corner.

Kerr doubled Australia's lead with a pinpoint header before White completed her hat-trick with four minutes remaining — but Team GB were unable to force an equaliser.

Aussie keeper shines

Former England international Karen Carney was keen to praise the Aussies for their display, especially keeper Micah.

She said: ""t’s massively disappointing for Team GB. They were unbelievable in the group stage but this is where it counts, in this knockout part.

"You have to give a lot of credit to Australia, they managed the game well and fantastic saves from the goalkeeper kept them in it."