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.

Latest News

Throwing herself into history: Stephanie Ratcliffe’s rise in hammer throw hero image

Throwing herself into history: Stephanie Ratcliffe’s rise in hammer throw

September 12, 2025

Stephanie Ratcliffe’s Olympic debut came after a season of highs, setbacks, and steady support. Now back in Melbourne, she’s focused on the next challenge: the 2025 World Athletics Championships.

Flexible fathers hero image

Flexible fathers

September 7, 2025

Supporting Victoria’s athletes to be their best starts with ensuring our staff can perform at their best too. That means maintaining an adaptive workplace that values flexibility and supports parents.

Managing low iron: Inside the VIS approach to athlete nutrition hero image

Managing low iron: Inside the VIS approach to athlete nutrition

September 5, 2025

​For many athletes, tiredness comes with the territory. Long training blocks, early mornings, and demanding schedules all take their toll. But when fatigue lingers despite rest and recovery, it may signal something more than just a heavy workload.

Olympic Champion Dr Lauren Burns OAM to lead VIS as Chair hero image

Olympic Champion Dr Lauren Burns OAM to lead VIS as Chair

September 4, 2025

Olympic gold medallist Dr Lauren Burns OAM OLY has been appointed as Chair of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) – bringing years of sport and academia experience to the role.

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games hero image

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games

August 20, 2025

Olympian Tess Lloyd has swapped her Olympic sailing gear for a new role at the VIS, helping athletes share their stories and inspire Victorians. Being an athlete speaker herself, it was a full-circle moment when she returned to the classroom alongside two VIS winter athletes. Hear what makes this role so meaningful for her and how she’s helping inspire the community.

Related news

See all our partners

VIS is proudly supported by