The Kookaburras have been eliminated from the Paris Olympics after suffering a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in their must-win quarterfinal on Monday morning AEST.

The Australians, who won silver in Tokyo three years ago, were unable to find the back of the net against the world-class Dutch outfit, failing to convert nine shots on goal and four penalty corners.

The Kookaburras, who lost to Belgium and India during the group stage, were too defensive in the opening two quarters, with scores tied at 0-0 at halftime in the French capital.

However, the Netherlands broke the deadlock early in the third stanza following a set play from a penalty corner, with striker Duco Telgenkamp deflecting Jip Janssen’s drag flick into the net.

Australia desperately searched for an equaliser in the fourth quarter, but Thijs van Dam shattered the Kookaburras’ hearts with a brilliant solo run in the 52nd minute, sealing a Dutch victory.

The Netherlands will face Spain, who earlier toppled reigning champions Belgium, in the semi-finals later this week.

“I feel amazing,” Telgenkamp said after the match.

“It was just a fighting game. We fought until the end to get a good result. It was just a fantastic performance from the team.

“I think there’s a lot of team spirit and fight in the Australian team, so we needed to match that.

“We did, and I’m very pleased about it. And now we keep moving forward, keep the flow coming and prepare for the next game, because it’s a big one.”

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The Kookaburras have finished on the podium in seven of their eight most recent Olympic campaigns, but for just the second time since 1992, the Australian team will return home empty-handed.

Having won silver at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and this year’s Pro League international series, missing out on the semi-finals is a disappointing outcome for Colin Batch’s side.

The Kookaburras officially placed sixth, equalling the team’s worst Olympic performance since 1956.

Australia also faced the Netherlands in the quarterfinals at the 2021 Tokyo Games, qualifying for the semis after a tense penalty shootout.

The Hockeyroos, the Australian women’s hockey team, will face China in their semi-final on Monday at 6pm AEST.