Matildas stunned after penalty shootout horror show

The Matildas' World Cup dream is over after their barnstorming and heartbreaking round of 16 clash with Norway ended in a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat.

After Isabell Herlovssen's first-half opener, Elise Kellond-Knight drew Australia level with a stunning 83rd-minute equaliser direct from a corner, with the scores level at 1-1 at the end of regulation time and extra time in Nice.

The Matildas clung on for spot kicks despite Alanna Kennedy's 104th minute dismissal but Sam Kerr and Emily Gielnik botched their penalties for Australia's worst World Cup result in 16 years.

After a tournament of absurd highs and morale-sapping lows, the task was simply too much for Australia at the Allianz Riviera.

The Matildas were lion-hearted in pursuing and nabbing an equaliser, but then subject to a wave of Norwegian attacks that came with Kennedy's dismissal.

Penalties brought renewed hope but that was dashed with Kerr's awful spot kick.

The Matildas captain confidently stepped up to take Australia's first effort but spooned it high and wide.

Gielnik had the Matildas' second effort, which was impressively saved by 39-year-old goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth.

That effectively killed Australia's hopes of a second stirring World Cup comeback after their 3-2 retrieval against Brazil in the group stage.