The 24 -year-old went into the game knowing they needed to beat the best side in the world 8-0 to progress beyond the group stage following their disappointing draw with Canada on Sunday.

Despite taking the lead through Barry Middleton, Australia hit back before the ding-dong encounter ended all square.

"We've mixed emotions," said Wilson – who plays for Nottingham side Beeston. "We're obviously immensely proud at the result but still disappointed with the performance against Canada. Because of that result this game didn't give us a realistic chance of making the semi finals

"Obviously you can never tell how the game would have gone if we'd beaten Canada but either way to turn in such a fantastic performance and go so close to beating Australia represents a great team effort."

After Middleton's strike the Kookaburras hit back as Bevan George and Jamie Dwyer put them ahead but GB refused to give up without a fight as Richard Mantell levelled the tie and Rob Moore's deflected shot put GB ahead only for Eddie Ockenden to level late on for the Aussies.

Wilson admitted the late equaliser was a bitter pill to swallow as GB stood on the verge of a first win against the old enemy since the Seoul Olympics in 1988: "We were so close to a famous victory but we can take a huge amount of pride with how we played and special mention must go to Ally McGregor in goal.

"He was immense as were the rest of the back line. To keep them down to three was awesome. At the same time the forwards were excellent too. Three goals is more than the Aussies have conceded in one game all tournament.

GB now face South Korea in a play-off for fifth place.

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