England's heartbreaking own goal gives Japan 2011 re-match against US

England reacts with England defender Laura Bassett (6) after she scored an own goal during the second half against Japan in the semifinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium.  [Photo/Agencies]

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.

The decisive goal Wednesday 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.

The US is 24-1-6 against Japan.

"However we played in this game, the fact is, we're going to the final," Japan coach Norio Sasaki said through an interpreter. "And I'd like to congratulate the players for that.... We should really cherish this moment that we are going to the final."