Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Edmonton: Japan secured a place in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final on Wednesday (local time) as a last gasp own goal from England’s Laura Bassett helped the reigning champions seal a dramatic 2-1 semi-final win.
Midfielder Aya Miyama had given Japan the lead from the spot shortly after the half hour mark, an advantage that was wiped out seven minutes later when England’s Fara Williams equalised with the game’s second penalty. With extra-time looming, Bassett diverted the ball into her own net to send Japan through to the final where they will face the USA in a repeat of their historic 2011 title triumph.
It was England who started the brighter at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, with Jodi Tyler and Toni Duggan both going closing in the early moments, before Japan took the lead with 33 minutes on the clock.
A searching pass from defender Azusa Iwashimizu released Saori Ariyoshi behind the English defence only for the eventual Player of the Match to be brought down by Claire Rafferty. Nadeshiko captain Miyama duly converted the penalty.
Within minutes, and amid high drama, England drew level with a spot kick of their own. Williams ramming the ball home after Yuki Ogimo was adjudged to have fouled Steph Houghton.
England continued to gather momentum during the second period, Duggan smashing a shot against the crossbar with an hour gone and Ellen White forcing Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori into a fine diving save.
Japan responded well however, with Norio Sasaki’s charges going close through Mana Iwabuchi’s fine run and shot and a Mizuho Sakaguchi header that flashed wide.
With time running out there was to be one final twist to an absorbing plot as Bassett, stretching to block a cross, diverted the ball past England custodian Karen Bardsley and into the goal via the underside of the bar to spark wild Japanese celebrations.
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images