Wales' World Cup dream is over after a late penalty from South Africa saw them defeated 19-16 in Yokohama.
They stayed in the fight right to the very end, but it just didn't go their way.
And what it meant to the players was etched on their faces as the final whistle sounded.
Players, including captain Alun Wyn Jones, looked devastated after the close game.
He said: "I'm still proud to pull this jersey on and represent all the people in red at the stadium."
Jake Ball said: "We're just gutted as a team. A lot of hard work has gone in over the last five months. We have to try and use that as motivation for our next game.
"Everyone wore their hearts on their sleeves that game. The boys have put in a hell of an effort. We'll have to look back at it. It's just disappointment at the moment to come so close."
Their hopes of confirming a first all-northern hemisphere Rugby World Cup final were dashed and they also lost wing George North and prop Tomas Francis to first-half injuries.
For Wales, who were semi-final casualties against France eight years ago when captain Sam Warburton was sent off, it proved an agonising experience.
Mike Phillips said it brought back painful memories for him of when he was part of that team in 2011.
He said: "I feel so sorry for them. It was such a close game. The young players will learn from this experience but it is devastating for them all."
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas said: "They couldn't have done any more."
Martyn Williams said: "What an effort. Whole country should be proud of that group of players. Patched up team but pushed South Africa all the way."
You can see all the heartbreaking pictures in the gallery below
While it was heartache for Wales, there were scene of joy from the South African players.
Wales will now take on New Zealand in the third and fourth place play off game, dubbed the Bronze Final by organisers. It will be head coach Warren Gatland's final game at the helm before he steps down after 12 years.
