Player ratings: Matildas star 'unsighted' as 24-year Olympics low sinks in

Ahead of their final match against the USA, the Matildas had a mountain to climb to avoid an early flight home from Paris 2024.

They lost 2-1, and Canada's 1-0 over Colombia eventually confirmed the Matildas' earliest exit at a Games they've qualified for since Sydney 2000.

There was more VAR controversy, tension, and then tears. Wide World of Sports has rated each of the Matildas stars' performances.

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Mackenzie Arnold - 5.5

Looked uncertain with her handling at times, but still came up with some crucial saves to keep the Matildas in the contest.

Kaitlyn Torpey - 5

Struggled early on as she looked to contain the ever-dangerous Trinity Rodman. Built into the game and came up with some nice touches as she looked to push forward when she could to support in attack.

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Steph Catley - 5.5

Was unusually quiet in attack and was unable to push forward and deliver with her dangerous left foot. But she was defensively solid against a vibrant and mobile USA attack as she looked to squeeze the space that they were able to operate in.

Caitlin Foord - 4

Largely unsighted, she struggled to get on the ball and found herself isolated at times when the Matildas sat deep to contain the USA.

Alanna Kennedy - 5.5

Was pushed forward in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a point and passage, and scored in injury time to give the Matildas a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately missed a straightforward chance to level the scores, which would have been enough to put the Matildas through. Earlier, she was tested defensively against a young USA forward line as the Matildas tried to reduce the space in behind.

Clare Hunt - 5.5

Like her central defensive partner Kennedy, Hunt was tested throughout the contest as the Matildas struggled to push forward out of their low block. Was relatively calm on the ball and attempted to keep the ball on the rare occasion the Matildas were able to play through the USA press.

Hayley Raso - 5

Another disappointing outing as she was dominated and kept quiet by a well-organised, well-disciplined USA defence. Attempted to stretch the game occasionally on the break, but could not affect a game which passed her by.

Katrina Gorry - 6

Gorry's usual tough tackling and high work-rate was on show as she attempted to break up the United States' tempo and control in midfield. Her passing at times was loose as the USA looked to press the Matildas high when in possession.

Ellie Carpenter - 6.5

Was one of the Matildas' best as she produced her best individual performance of the Olympics. Was defensively sound and pushed forward whenever possible. She produced a cross deep into injury time which nearly found the head of Kennedy.

Kyra Cooney-Cross - 4.5

Unusually quiet as she struggled to impose herself on a game which passed her by as the USA dominated possession and territory. Her usual neat passing and controlling of tempo was non-existent as she was replaced at half-time by Wheeler.

Mary Fowler - 5.5

Was the Matildas' biggest attacking threat in the first half as she attempted to ignite the Australian attack with her passing and movement. Drifted in the second half as the USA dominated proceedings.

Substitutes

Michelle Heyman (58th min) - 5.5

Again made a difference from the bench as she produced the flick on for Kennedy to pull one goal back for the Matildas.

Emily Van Egmond (58th min) - 3

Did little when she came on as she was unable to help turn the contest. Pushed forward late in the second half as the Matildas looked to go more direct.

Clare Wheeler (45th min) - 4.5

Came on at half time to add some energy and verve into the Matildas midfield. Struggled to impact on a game where the USA's control and quality shone, played a part in the USA's second goal as her poor clearance fell to the feet of Korbin Albert who punished the Matildas.

Unused: Clare Polkinghorne, Cortnee Vine, Teagan Michah.