England’s run in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup has been impressive, but what a cruel way for it to come to an end.
On Wednesday, the Three Lionesses, in the semi-finals with an eye on a spot in the final, locked horns with defending champions for the honor of facing USA to win the ultimate prize.
It was the Asian nation who struck first, taking an early lead thanks to a Aya Miyama goal in the 33rd minute. England equalizer shortly afterwards, seven minutes later, through a Fara Williams penalty. Both sides were unable to find the winner, as the game appeared destined for extra time.
However, with the game in its dying moments, into injury time, with the clock ticking at the 92nd minute, English defender Laura Bassett scored an own goal which saw her side crash out of the tournament.
After the final whistle, the 31-year-old star broke into tears, as team-mates and coach both rushed to consolidate Bassett, having become the first player in the tournament’s history to score an own goal in injury time.
Laura Bassett (#ENG) own goal was the latest in Women's World Cup history Was also the 1st in stoppage time in WWC history
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 2, 2015
Wonderful tweets and message of support poured in for Bassett after England’s heartbreaking elimination; with a tweet from former USMNT star Landan Donavon standing out in particular. Check them out below.
A heartbreaker for England. Laura Bassett's own goal gives Japan the win and a spot in the WWC final. pic.twitter.com/ukriquYEvD
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 2, 2015
Absolutely gutted for #ENG...they deserved that game. @laurabassett6, hold ur head high. I hope the country finally embraces this team.
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) July 2, 2015
Absolutely devastated for @laurabassett6 We all make mistakes and I hope she doesn't let this define her.
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) July 2, 2015
England caught on the break in the dying seconds - the better side and so cruel on Laura Bassett.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) July 2, 2015
Head up Laura Bassett. You played superbly. Forget tired old English Football/failure narratives that'll be peddled, #ENG better team by far
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) July 2, 2015
Awful to see Laura Bassett in tears. How does an individual pick themselves up after something like that?
— Zcott (@ZcottAFC) July 2, 2015
Keep your head up @laurabassett6. A fantastic performance!
— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) July 2, 2015
If your heart isn't breaking for Laura Bassett, you're not human. #Lionesses
— My Daughter's Army (@mydaughtersarmy) July 2, 2015
Gutted for Laura Bassett but the girls played with pride skill & determination, luck not with them though
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) July 2, 2015
What a dreadful way to lose! Poor, poor Laura Bassett.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2015
Coach Mark Sampson later hailed his squad for having "given their all", and showed support for Laura Bassett, saying:
“I know there’ll be a lasting legacy for the women’s game back home. Laura Bassett at the moment is in a hard place, she really is. But Laura Bassett eptiomised pride, passion, never-say-die and play for your team.
“She’s hurting now but she’ll wake up tomorrow and 22 team-mates and the staff will give her a hug and tell her how proud we are of her. I know Laura and the players will be welcomed back home to England as heroes.”
Japan will now face the USA on Sunday in a repeat of the 2011 final, which went Japan's way.
