Japan players celebrate victory over England in their FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Canada, on July 1, 2015 (AFP Photo/Geoff Robins)
Edmonton (Canada) (AFP) – Holders Japan swiped a dramatic 2-1 victory over England thanks to an injury-time own-goal by defender Laura Bassett, setting up a Women’s World Cup final rematch against the United States.
The Asian champions, who defeated the Americans on penalty kicks in the 2011 championship match, take on the two-time winners on Sunday in Vancouver after the US women beat Germany 2-0 in a Tuesday semi-final at Montreal.
England and Japan looked to be heading for extra time deadlocked after captain Aya Miyama scored a penalty on 33 minutes only for Fara Williams to level for England five minutes before the break, also from a penalty kick.
But two minutes into injury time, Bassett sent the ball into her own net to end England’s dream run to their first World Cup semi-final.
Bassett, 31, was in tears after the final whistle and had to be consoled by England coach Mark Sampson as she walked off the field, the Lionesses stunned, shocked and crying at the heartbreaking final turn.
“It’s OK to cry. They left everything on the field,” Sampson said.
Sampson was especially proud of Bassett, whose heroics helped England to the brink of the championship match.
“Laura Bassett has epitomised this England team this tournament,” he said. “She has been courageous, strong… she kept this team together. She didn’t deserve that. She’ll be remembered as a hero.”
England’s Jo Potter (L) consoles teammate Laura Bassett after she scored an own-goal in the last minutes of the game giving Japan the win in their semifinal match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Edmonton, Canada on July 1, 2015 (AFP Photo/Geoff Robins)
But Japan coach Norio Sasaki saw the goal more …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
