Nathan Cleary sends message to girlfriend Mary Fowler and the Matildas after Australia secured epic comeback to keep Olympic Games dream alive

Nathan Cleary joined swathes of Matildas fans in waking up early to cheer on the team in France.

And after a nerve-wracking 90 minutes, Mary Fowler's team made sure the Australia supporters did not start the day disappointed after securing a stunning victory over Zambia.

The Matildas' match against their African rivals saw a staggering 11 goals scored, with the World Cup semi-finalists at one stage three goals behind in what was shaping up as a shocking result that would all-but seal their early exit.

However, goals from Steph Catley and Michelle Heyman saw Tony Gustavsson's side turn things around and secure all three points, thereby keeping their Olympics dream alive.

Cleary, who is dating Manchester City star Fowler, tuned in for the big match and shared his delight in the result at full time.

Posting a picture of Fowler on his TV screen, Cleary wrote 'comeback' with a clapping emoji.

Cleary is familiar with securing dramatic comebacks on the footy field, playing a pivotal role in helping Penrith to victory in last year's grand final against Brisbane Broncos. 

Gustavsson punched the air in delight but the performance was once again far from convincing.

But the only thing that mattered after their 3-0 defeat by Germany three nights earlier in Marseille, just down the road on the Cote d'Azur, was the priceless victory.

It still gives the Matildas the chance to make it through to the quarter-finals but they may still have to glean a point against the powerful USA team in their final match to ensure they squeeze into the last eight.

There is nothing wrong with this team's collective heart, though, as three times in the match, they faced a two-goal deficit, but simply wouldn't lie down.

But there were tears from the Zambian team, who had been inspired by their two US-based superstars Banda and two-goal Racheal Kundananji - the world's most expensive woman player - but were still denied their first Olympic win.