Valiant Aussies downed by hosts

The Australian women's soccer team has lost its quarter-final to Brazil at the Rio Olympics after a tense penalty shoot-out.

Brazil won the shoot-out by 7-6 after 120 minutes of play in ordinary and extra time.

Australia's Matildas and the host nation were all square at 4-4 when five-time world player of the year Marta stepped up to the spot.

But goalkeeper Lydia Williams made an excellent save, giving Katrina Gorry a golden opportunity to slot the game-winner.

Again it was the goalkeeper who stood tallest, with Barbara diving to her right to make a brilliant save to deny the 2014 AFC women's player of the year.

Brazil's Debinha and Monica, and Aussies Michelle Heyman and Chloe Logarzo netted next, before Tamires nailed what turned out to be the decisive goal into the top-right corner.

The pressure was then on Alanna Kennedy to step up to the plate, but she could not send her strike past the outstretched left glove of Barbara.

Coach Alen Stajcic said Kennedy was not to blame for missing her spot kick at the shootout.

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