An own goal in second-half stoppage time from Laura Bassett broke English hearts as reigning champion Japan advanced to the tournament's last match.
#FIFAWWC SF match highlights: #JPN 2-1 #ENG ... Full report here http://t.co/oZbuXRUiv5 #SBSTWG http://t.co/mcBXDSNwd8 — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 2, 2015
Having had the better of the chances in the second half, England could not reach its maiden World Cup final, as Bassett's desperate attempt to intercept a cross from the right saw her lob her own goalkeeper and put the ball in off the crossbar - handing Japan a 2-1 victory.
England's players were distraught after the final whistle, with coach Mark Sampson seen consoling Bassett.
Here's #ENG coach @Mark_Sampson trying to sum that devastating 2-1 loss to #JPN ... #SBSTWG #FIFAWWC http://t.co/0BrKsQ3giX — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 2, 2015
For Japan, the win means it will meet United States in the final on Sunday in a repeat match-up of the 2011 decider, which the Japanese won on penalties.
Japan started the match in a more spritely fashion but needed a somewhat dubious penalty to take the lead in the 32nd minute, with Claire Rafferty judged to have fouled Saori Ariyoshi in the box, although her push at least began outside the area.
Aya Miyama slotted her spot-kick inside Karen Bardsley's right-hand post but England was level just eight minutes later after another questionable penalty decision.
GOAL!! #JPN 1-0 #ENG (Miyama, pen 33') Watch LIVE on SBS http://t.co/5rPTGa3BX7 #SBSTWG #FIFAWWC http://t.co/1BwG25gYXC — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 1, 2015
England captain Steph Houghton fell to the ground after a corner but any contact appeared minimal on replay, although that meant little as Fara Williams blasted her penalty past Ayumi Kaihori.
GOAL!! #JPN 1-1 #ENG (Williams, pen 40'). All square!! Watch LIVE on SBS http://t.co/5rPTGa3BX7 #SBSTWG #FIFAWWC http://t.co/a30MfOs8qi — SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 1, 2015
Sampson's side pressed cleverly after half-time, denying Japan space in midfield, which saw England produce three chances to take the lead in the space of four minutes just after the hour-mark, although it was unable to convert.
Toni Duggan hit the crossbar in the 62nd minute before substitute Ellen White forced Kaihori into a diving save, while Jill Scott failed to hit the target with a header when left unmarked at a corner with 24 minutes remaining.
Rafferty then looped a cross onto the top of the crossbar in the 78th minute, and England's missed chances would come back to haunt it.
