Question

read the source of the allusion.
in 1815, french emperor napoleon suffered a devastating defeat in the battle of waterloo, which would prove to be his final battle before he abdicated the throne.
what is the meaning of the allusion in the sentence below?
last nights play - off in the semifinals proved to be the teams waterloo.
a final defeat
a virtual tie
a surprise win

Explanation:

The Battle of Waterloo was Napoleon's final and devastating defeat. The allusion in the sentence about the team's "Waterloo" implies a similar final - defeat situation.

Answer:

a final defeat