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The Americans, World Cup winners in 2019, had gone into the
Tokyo Games as heavy favourites for gold but after some
underwhelming displays were beaten by Canada in the semi-finals.
For spells against the Australians, seeking their first medal in
the sport, the old swagger of the U.S. team was back with two of
their veterans, in what could well be their final appearance in
a major tournament, offering a reminder of their quality.
Rapinoe fired the U.S. ahead in the eighth minute direct from a
corner which Aussie keeper Teagan Micah flapped at.
Sam Kerr levelled for Australia in the 17th minute, her 48th
goal for the Matildas making her their all-time top scorer.
Rapinoe restored the Americans' advantage with a fine volley
after a woeful attempted clearance from Alanna Kennedy looped
across the box to the grateful forward.
The 39-year-old Lloyd produced a clinical finish to make it 3-1
just before the break, collecting a pass from Lindsey Horan and
burying it, first time, into the far corner.
Another defensive error from Kennedy, this time a weak head back
towards her keeper, gifted Lloyd her second which she slipped
between Micah's legs to make it 4-1 in the 51st minute.
Three minutes later though, a Caitlin Foord header from a Kyah
Simon cross brought Australia back into the match and Kerr then
hit the post with a fine, glancing header.
But the Americans held firm until Aussie substitute Emily
Gielnik added a third with a long-range effort in the 90th
minute.
Sweden and Canada meet in the gold medal game on Friday.
(Reporting by Simon Evans, editing by Ken Ferris and Hugh
Lawson)
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