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Japan beat England to reach final

July 2, 2015

There was heartbreak for England, as an own-goal in the dying minutes meant that Japan advanced to the final of the Women's World Cup. The Japanese advance to take on the US in the tournament final.

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Frauenfußball-WM: Japan besiegt England im Halbfinale
Image: Getty Images

Defender Laura Bassett's late own goal meant that Japan, and not England's Lionesses, progress to face the United States in Sunday's final in Vancouver.

The sides looked to be heading for extra time at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, after a game that had failed to produce any goals from open play.

Japan were defeated by England at the 2011 tournament in Germany, despite going on to win the competition. The Asian champions started the stronger team on Wednesday, dominating possession and achieving a breakthrough in the 33rd minute, when England's Claire Rafferty brought down goal-bound Saori Ariyoshi.

Two spot kicks in succession

Aya Miyama scored the resultant penalty as England keeper Karen Bardsley dived the wrong way, and Japan were briefly ahead.

Eight minutes later, England midfielder Fara Williams slotted home from the penalty spot after Japan forward was judged to have fouled England skipper Steph Houghton in the box.

While England looked promising for parts of the first half, Japan were pushing hardest towards the end. Although extra time looked a distinct possibility, Japan booked their spot in the final thanks to a defensive slip-up from Bassett, who put the ball into her own net, via the crossbar, as Japan rushed forward.

The result means that England now face Germany in the third-place playoff in Edmonton on Saturday. The US beat Germany 2-0 in Tuesday's semifinal in Montreal.

rc/gsw (AFP, AP, Reuters)