Kellond-Knight’s Goal Not Enough; Australia Eliminated

Reign FC midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight scored a late equalizer for Australia, but the Matildas were eliminated by Norway in the Women’s World Cup Round of 16. Norway eliminated Australia on kicks from the mark, finishing 1-1 after extra time.

Norway struck first in the 31st minute, when Isabell Herlovsen ran on to a long ball and caught Reign FC keeper Lydia Williams off her line to make it 1-0.

Australia appeared to win a penalty in the 42nd minute, when a cross seemed to strike the upper arm of Maria Thorisdottir, but referee Riem Hussein overturned her initial decision after consulting with the video assistant referee.

Kellond-Knight notched the equalizer and her first World Cup goal in the 83rd minute. The set-piece specialist scored an olimpico from the right corner, curling it to the far net.

After a scoreless extra time period, the two teams lined up for kicks from the mark. Norway scored all four of their attempts, while Sam Kerr and substitute Emily Gielnik failed to convert. Reign FC defender Steph Catley was the only Matildas player to score her penalty, going high and to the right with Australia’s third kick.

Williams made seven saves to help keep Australia in the match.

Norway advances to the quarterfinals, where it will face the winner of England vs. Cameroon on Thursday, June 27 at 12:00 p.m. PT.