Twitter explodes after Canada’s dramatic Olympic soccer defeat

Canada's 4-3 extra-time loss to the United States in the women's soccer semifinal at the London Olympics had Twitter abuzz both during and after the game.

Canadian captain Christine Sinclair scored a hat trick and gave Canada the lead on three different occasions, only to see the U.S. reply each time. Norwegian referee Christina Pedersen was involved in a number of controversial calls, many of which went against Canada.

The Canadians will now take on France for bronze on Thursday, while the U.S. meets Japan for gold.

Here is a sample of what Canadian athletes and other personalities said during and after the match on Twitter:

— Canadian chef de mission Mark Tewksbury: "stuck in a car coming back from canoe-kayak awesome visit. Following game on twitter. KILLING ME!!!"

— Canadian kayaker Adam van Koeverden during extra time: "Let's go #canwnt 3-3 in extratime. Go Canada!!"

— CBC host Jian Ghomeshi: "Ref in this game is doing things by the book. Assuming it's a book that has nothing to do with soccer or this game. #canadavsusa #London2012."

— Van Koeverden after the final whistle: "Congrats to #CANwnt soccer. Valiant effort, incredible talent, total class."

— Canadian women's hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser: "If I had to go to war, I'd go to war with our soccer gals anyday!! Proud to be cdn! Go get bronze!"

— Canadian sprint kayaker Hugues Fournel: "What a amazing game by team Canada in women's soccer. you girls are truly inspiring."

— Movie star Samuel L. Jackson, after congratulating the U.S. on the win added: "Lemme say though, those Canuck Ladies brought da noise! They came to WIN! Ehhh?!!"

— NBA star Steve Nash: "MAJOR respect to the Canadian woman's soccer team! Didn't deserve to lose. Played some beautiful stuff and fought like crazy. Heads up."

— Former CFLer and current Canadian bobsledder Jesse Lumsden: "Real proud of our womens soccer team!! You are all mothercanukin beasts. Go get your bronze ladies. Make history."

— Canadian paralympian Michelle Stillwell: "Canadian woman's soccer team one of the best Olympic performances ever! You made the entire nation proud!! #london2012 #GOCANADAGO."

— Former Canadian Olympic freestyle skier Jennifer Heil: "Amazing showcase of women's sport. Thank you ladies! #bronzemedal #london2012."