Women’s World Cup: Japan Beats England, Advances To Second Straight Final

Japan made the final in the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup championship round after defeating England in a heartbreaking fashion. The defending champions scored a last minute goal, thanks to England’s Laura Bassett's own goal, to defeat The Lioness 2-1 booking a date with USA for a second consecutive world title.

Fans were on the edge of their seats as the game approach the closing minutes with a 1-1 draw. The game would have looked to be decided in penalty shootout, but Japan did not let any chance of having the match in penalty kicks with midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi attacking in the 90th minute of stoppage time to force a last minute miracle. However, the 29-year-old Japanese, who plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa, was not the real heroine for coach Norio Sasaki’s squad. The Japanese found an unlikely saviour in Bassett after putting the goal into her own net.

Kawasumi got free on the right and fired a shot convincingly directed to put away the game. Basset hurriedly stretched, but the ball could only get a touch over England goalkeeper Bardsley which ricocheted over the line just under the crossbar. The unfortunate sequence for England gave Japan, who has impressively won all of their six matches in normal time, the 2-1 lead and the victory as Mark Sampson’s team broke down in tears.

“Look. You just have to congratulate the players on an incredible tournament. Laura Bassett has epitomised this England team this tournament, and she didn’t deserve that. But she’ll be remembered as a hero. It’s OK to cry. They left everything on the field, they couldn’t give any more, and it’s just a really tough way to go out of the tournament. I’m just so proud of them, and they’ve inspired a nation,” Sampson said via the Guardian.

The first half of the match displayed questionable calls with both teams getting goals from penalty kicks. Japan opened the scoring in the 33rd minute mark after a penalty was given when Claire Rafferty and Saori Ariyoshi collided outside the box. Aya Miyama stroke down the penalty kick that passed over Bardsley giving Japan the early lead. England has created twice the number of chances that Japan has to score in the first half, but the attacks are half the quality.

The Lioness found their opportunity to level with Japan in the 40th minute mark when skipper Steph Houghton tripped and was penalised at the expense of Yuki Ogimi. Farah Williams supremely struck the ball in the penalty kick that looked too easy against Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Japan had a well-deserved win despite being off key in the match. The Nadeshiko cut England open twice to score their goals and Japan’s skills and technique will be tested on Sunday’s exciting game against USA. England will have to wait beyond half a century to get their World Cup final appearance moment but the Lioness should hold their heads high after showing great effort against the reigning champs.

“That football. It can be cruel at times but we can hold our heads high. The squad has shown some great character and desire to win, and passion to play for England. These girls have given everything for the jersey. Thanks so much for all your support. We tried to perform and get to the World Cup final, but it just wasn’t to be,” Houghton said after England’s heartbreaking exit.