The Matildas fall short of Olympic dream after narrow loss to USA

The Matildas are headed home early after a 2-1 loss to team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

They needed at least one point to advance to the next round, but a Korbin Albert top corner strike late in the second half for team USA put those hopes to bed.

Brazil’s 2-0 loss to Spain would officially lead to the Matildas being unable to qualify.

“You can tell we’re all devastated,” Clare Wheeler said to Channel Nine after the match.

“It’s going to be one of those games we wish we could have again ... we can only hope.”

“We’re sorry we couldn’t get the job done today.”

The Matildas will return home and go back to the drawing board after a heartbreaking end to their Olympic campaign.