Own-goal agony for England as Japan set up Women’s World Cup final against US

A late own goal by England defender Laura Bassett put defending champions Japan into the final of the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday with a 2-1 win.

Japan next play two-time winners the United States in the final in Vancouver on Sunday after the Americans beat Germany 2-0 in a Tuesday semi-final at Montreal.

Japan and England looked to be heading for extra time deadlocked at 1-1 after captain Aya Miyama scored a penalty on 33 minutes at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium 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 her team’s dream run to their first World Cup semi-final.

Bassett 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.”