World Cup 2015: Women , Japan 2-1 England – Injury time own goal decides semi

A close contest was heading to extra-time in Edmonton, when the Japanese broke on the counter-attack and a dangerous cross was met by Bassett, whose attempt to clear bounced off the bar and over the line.

 

It was a devastating end to England's first ever last four appearance on the global stage, particularly considering they had created better chances than the defending world champions and looked the more likely winners as the match progressed.

 Japan were favourites to progress before kick-off, and took the lead just after the half hour mark when England's Claire Rafferty was penalised for a foul on Soari Ariyoshi, although it looked to have been committed outside of the box.

Captain Aya Miyami calmly stroked the ball past England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, but if Mark Sampson's team felt hard done by, the score would soon be evened up in more ways than one.

Eight minutes later, England had a dubious penalty of their own, when Steph Houghton was adjudged to have been fouled by Yuki Ogimi, who appeared to have clipped her heel, though again replays suggested it may have been a soft decision.

Having restored parity thanks to a sweetly struck Fara Williams spot-kick, England grew in stature in the second half and on 61 minutes a smart turn and shot from striker Toni Duggan hit the bar.

A period of sustained English pressure had the Japanese on the ropes, as substitute Ellen White forced the goalkeeper into a full stretch save two minutes later, followed by a header from Jill Scott that whistled past the post.

On 77 minutes full-back Rafferty nearly redeemed herself when a mishit cross almost gave England a fortuitous lead, only to loop on to the top of the cross bar.

But it was Japan who would benefit from a stroke of luck two minutes into stoppage time, as centre-back Bassett – who had been a rock for the Lionesses – stretched to cut out a dangerous ball into the box, only to send it past Bardsley.

There was barely time to kick-off before the final whistle was blown, leaving Japan jubiliant and England to reflect on a game they had lost, despite having 11 efforts on goal compared to four from their opponents.

The result means Japan will defend their crown against the United States, in a rematch of the final from 2011, while England must pick themselves up for a third-place play-off with European champions Germany.