Heartbreak as brave Matildas fall to Japan

The Australia Matildas have conceded an 86th-minute goal to lose to Japan 1-0 in their Women's World Cup quarter-final in Canada

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The Matildas' Women's World Cup dream has been snuffed out by a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Japan in Canada.

After weathering 85 minutes of the world champions' attacking efforts, Australia were undone by Mana Iwabuchi's scrappy goal.

The Japanese substitute found space at the back post to beat Lydia Williams and end the Matildas' run at the quarter-final stage for the third straight World Cup.

The victory was all Japan deserved after a bright and organised show, but left the Australians shattered with extra-time looming.

The result mirrors the Matildas' loss in last year's Asian Cup final and sends Japan into the last four, where they will play England or Canada.

Coach Alen Stajcic conceded Japan were deserved winners.

"In terms of courage, heart and spirit, (the Matildas were) fantastic. In terms of execution, not one of our best games," he said.

"Japan were the better team today. It was a scrappy way to score a goal but you can't say they didn't deserve their victory."

Australia were left in the shade by an energetic Japanese outfit, with centre-backs Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy among the Matildas' busiest and best players.

Kicking off in bright Edmonton sunshine, coach Alen Stajcic reversed his line-up from the team that beat Brazil, restoring Katrina Gorry and Kyah Simon to the starting XI.

Despite Stajcic's pre-match comments that Australia were the fittest team left in the tournament, Japan were working harder.

Japan's sharp passing game allowed them to dictate terms, with their commitment to defensive structures giving them a firm grip on the match.

In the opening 10 minutes, Azusa Iwashimizu denied Simon at the last moment with a sliding tackle, while veteran striker Shinobu Ohno tested the Matildas' defence.

The Matildas were reliant on wide forwards Lisa De Vanna and Sam Kerr to dribble their way into attack.

Kerr's steal and run brought a yellow card to Iwashimizu on the edge of the area, but Kennedy's free-kick failed to test Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

After the break, Mizuho Sakaguchi coughed up the ball to allow Kerr an opportunity, although her shot was too tame.

At the other end, Japanese captain Aya Miyama's backheel flick went narrowly wide with keeper Williams in attention.

Stajcic threw on Larissa Crummer and Michelle Heyman as he looked for a way to break Japan down.

Japan's corner count of 8-0 showed their domination, with Australia unable to use their height advantage from set pieces.

From their final corner came the goal, with Australia unable to clear the attack allowing Iwabuchi to slide in at the back post