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England's own goal sends Japan into Women's World Cup final

 
England's Josanne Potter, right, consoles Laura Bassett (6) after a 2-1 loss to Japan in a semifinal in the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament, Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) EDM122
England's Josanne Potter, right, consoles Laura Bassett (6) after a 2-1 loss to Japan in a semifinal in the FIFA Women's World Cup soccer tournament, Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP) EDM122
Published July 2, 2015

EDMONTON, Alberta — Laura Bassett scored into her own net during second-half stoppage time, giving Japan a 2-1 victory over England in a Women's World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.

The decisive goal came when Japan's Nahomi Kawasumi drove up the right side and sent a cross into the middle for Yuki Ogimi. Bassett reached out with her right foot and caught the ball flush, inadvertently sending it toward her net. The ball struck the crossbar and bounced in just before goalkeeper Karen Bardsley could get across.

The defending champions advanced to play the United States in the championship game at Vancouver on Sunday. It's a rematch of the 2011 championship game in Germany, when Japan won on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

"However we played in this game, the fact is, we're going to the final," Japan coach Norio Sasaki said.

Bassett was inconsolable at the end of the match, lying flat, her face in the turf. She then needed assistance from teammates and her coach before leaving the field.

The sixth-ranked Lionesses will remain in Edmonton to play top-ranked Germany in the third-place match Saturday.

"This team can't be afraid to cry," England coach Mark Sampson said. "There's nothing wrong with that at all. Of course, when there's a huge disappointment there's going to be an outcry. But it'll sink in soon what they've achieved and how proud everyone is of their teammate."