Going down 85-64 to the world number one-ranked USA in the semi-final in front of almost 12,000 fans at the Bercy Arena in Paris, the US played like a side on track for their eighth-consecutive Olympic gold medal.

“We had to play a perfect game today,” Australian coach Sandy Brondello said. “They have the best players in the world.

“We came out really flat. There wasn’t much of a sense of urgency. We had too many turnovers and shot selection wasn’t great.”

But all is not lost for the Opals, who have one more game to play where a win would secure them their first Olympic medal since London 2012.

The bronze medal match will take place at 7:30pm AEST on Sunday 11 August.

“We’ve got to regroup and get ready to come out with more energy,” Brondello said. “We didn’t play anywhere near what we’re capable of.”

The stars of Australia's quarter-final win against Serbia were all neutralised as Jade Melbourne, Alanna Smith and Cayla George combined for 17 points. Sami Whitcomb, Australia’s leading scorer in the tournament to date, finished with five points.

“I’m almost ready to play again, like tomorrow morning,” Cayla said.

“Whoever we face we’ll be ready and we’ll bounce back. We’re a resilient mob.”

Australia’s first use of the ball from the opening tip ended in a turnover, which the USA’s Jackie Young punished by scoring the opening points of the game.

Opals turnovers and the USA capitalising on them became a first-half trend, as Australia gave the ball away eight times for 14 American points in the half.

Their opponents got out to a 12-4 advantage, fuelled by American superstar A’ja Wilson blocking shots. Alanna had a presence around the rim early on the offensive end, gliding her way across defenders for two layups to keep Australia within touching distance of the US.

Tess Madgen, who came into today’s game as the Olympic tournament’s most accurate three-point shooter, made two three pointers in the first half and top scored for the Opals in the half with eight.

In Jade’s second stint on the court she became more aggressive driving the rim, but the USA was able to withstand the pressure without fouling or conceding points.

Down 18-11 and looking for answers, Brondello turned to Lauren Jackson who hadn’t played for the Opals since their group game against Canada. The team found a little spurt with her on the court, closing the margin to 18-16 in the final minute of the first quarter.

The USA then put their foot down to outscore Australia by 16 to enter half-time up 45-27.

The Opals played the USA evenly for the first four minutes of the third quarter, but then their opponents went on to outscore the Aussies 21-13 in the quarter to close the door on a comeback.

Facing a 30-point hole in the fourth quarter the Opals did not give up. They pieced together an 8-0 run powered by 19-year-old Isobel Borlase from Adelaide. 

She scored a quick six points and assisted Marianna Tolo for a basket.

“She’s going to be a multiple Olympian,” Brondello said of Isobel. “Once that first one went in you saw the confidence she had.

“She gives us scoring options because we’re not sure if (Steph) Talbot can go or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Steph went off in the second quarter carrying an injury and remained on the sideline for the rest of the game.

Jeff Dickinson-Fox