The United States beat Australia to take the Olympic bronze medal in a seven-goal thriller at Kashima Stadium in Tokyo.

USA’s talisman, Megan Rapinoe, set the momentum as her first corner flew over Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah and flew straight into the net.

Sam Kerr was equal, but Rapinoe’s impressive second and two strikes from Carli Lloyd provided a 4-1 advantage.

Caitlin Foord’s target and Emily Gielnik’s screamer threaten a return. But the United States retained its copper level.

It’s not a coin that matches the United States, which is the gold coin favorites expected to be in. But the big stars in both teams step up to deliver a comprehensive match, a far cry from the last meeting that end 0-0 in the group stage.

Matildas, who beat Team GB in the quarter-finals in a 4-3 loss, enjoyed equal possession. But with veterans Rapinoe and Lloyd still in good form. The United States had better goals than Australia in the beginning.

Lloyd, with 312 caps, score the first half with a small point shot in the bottom corner and second after Australian defender Alanna Kennedy headed the ball back on her own goal to leave the striker in the pocket.

This is Australia’s best finish at the Olympics and the first time either a men’s or a women’s team has participated in a bronze medal event since 1992. They will host the Women’s World Cup in 2023.