After fighting back to draw the game level through an Elise Kellond-Knight corner, Australia and Norway couldn't be separated in 120 minutes of football and it came down to penalties at Stade de Nice. 

Norway didn't miss a beat in the shootout, scoring all four but for Australia, it was a different story. 

Defender Steph Catley was the only player able to convert from the spot as Norway rejoiced in qualifying for their sixth Women's World Cup quarter-final. 

PLUS...

Matildas rally round Kerr after penalty

Sam Kerr has sliced her penalty high and wide in the Matildas' shootout against Norway, laying the platform for Australia's exit from the World Cup.

However, the loss will be a learning opportunity for the team according to Kerr.

"I'm proud of the team and how we fought back there, went down a man and it sucks to lose in a penalty shootout but we learn from this," she told media after the match.

When asked what the Matildas could learn from the Round of 16 match, Kerr wasn't too sure.

"I think the first half wasn't at our best but in the second we came out and dominated," she said.

"We would've liked to win it in the 90 like I said it was disappointing to lose on penalties but these are the moments you grow and you become stronger as players and a team so feel like we've let some people down, we'll be stronger from it."

It was a moment that had a strong resemblance to the penalty shootout loss against Brazil at the 2016 Rio Olympic games. It was a gut-churning and heartbreaking night in Nice for players and fans alike.

It's been an undeniable crazy six months for the Matildas and everyone involved with the squad. 

"I couldn't be prouder of the girls, we've stuck together through thick and thin," Kerr said. 

"It's been a little bit of a rollercoaster ride for us but to see where the girls have come and how the team have stuck together and the staff has stuck with us, we're grateful for the support we've had."