EDMONTON: Australia's World Cup dream is over after the Matildas suffered a heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to world champions Japan after conceding a late goal.
With just three minutes left to play, substitute Mana Iwabuchi scored the deciding goal to inflict a painful defeat on a gallant Australian team.
It is a loss that is sure to irk coach Alen Stajcic and his players who spoke in depth about the dangers Japan pose from set pieces, only to succumb to yet another goal from a corner against their Asian confederation rivals.
The Matildas were chasing 11 blue shirts for most of the match, and the fatigue clearly showed as they failed to clear a routine corner and the subsequent goal-mouth scrap propelled Japan to the semi-final and just two games away from retaining their title.
However, it was a deserved result for the Asian giants who dominated the match in every aspect, outclassing an Australian team that matched them in physicality, fitness and spirit only.
Even with two days' less preparation, Japan put on such a display the Matildas appeared like athletes at times, rather than football World Cup title contenders. They were dogged and relentless, but ultimately second best to a team that now sets the standard in women's football.
The Japanese cut through the Matildas with such ease, evident from the eighth minute when a perfect pass split the defence to find Shinobu Ohno in space. She opted for a first time shot to catch Lydia Williams off her line and almost broke the deadlock with a delicate lob.
Throughout the course of the match Japan were a class above the aggressive Australians. Like featherweights, they would sidestep from punches and use quick feet to knock their opponents off balance and pounce on every mistake of their more physical challengers.
They cut through Australia with such ease at times it was like a hot knife through butter but Japan couldn't beat Williams in goals. Aya Miyama unleashed from distance with enough curve to dip into the corner of the net, however the Matildas' number one read the flight perfectly to tip the ball over the net. Though, from the resulting corner Japan should have again taken the lead when Iwashimizu spurned a free header.
In set pieces or in open play, there was no reply to Japan's command of the match.
A stinging Kyah Simon shot from 30 metres was easily saved and summarised the Matildas' frustration in the first-half but they went into the tunnel feeling nothing but relief after somehow remaining level at half-time.
There was more fight as they returned in the second-half and Sam Kerr should have opened her World Cup account when played into space by Emily Van Egmond. She opted for placement over power but her tame shot into the corner was saved by goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.
Minutes later, Van Egmond would have a chance of her own as she fired from distance but her powerful effort never looked like dipping under the bar.
Australia's fightback spurred on Japan and Miyama nearly scored the goal of the tournament. A slick move broke down the defence and when a fierce cross was sprayed across the box, Miyama leapt to back-heel the ball into the side of the net.
Despite a rise in Australia's tempo, the late onslaught arrived from the world champions. Substitute Iwabuchi had a shot inside the box deflected for a corner as extra-time loomed.
However, it was from a set piece that Japan again punished Australia, just as they did in the 2014 Asian Cup final.
Defender Azusa Iwashimizu had her shot blocked but pounced on the rebound to pass to Iwabuchi. With an open net and a metre out, there was only going to be one outcome, a devastating one for the Australians.
Japan will now play either hosts Canada or England in the semi-final in Edmonton.
