Canada will repeat the final of the previous World Cup in Germany: United States-Japan

The current champion managed to defeat a strong England in the semifinals. Mark Sampson's team stood up to the Japanese, who took the lead thanks to a penalty from Miyama. Fara Williams managed to equalize. When the match was heading straight to extra time, an own goal from Bassett decided the finalist. Unfair ending for England's intense fight.

The English women went all out. They didn't let Japan play their football. The usual touch and dominion were limited by the English pressure. Taylor surprised in the first minute with a long shot that was poised towards Kaihori's goal. She herself, the English forward who plays for Portland Thorns, threatened the Japanese defense with every counterattack. The Asians were disoriented. There was no way to surprise, to shine as they are used to. The English were the ones with the chances: Duggan, Taylor, Bronze, Scott...

The destabilization came from the experienced Japan. Rafferty knocked down midfielder Ariyoshi when she was penetrating the area. The New Zealand referee did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. Captain Miyama, who was the most outstanding player in the controversial moments for the Nadeshiko, converted it amidst sighs. She knew it was key, she knew that with that goal they had done half the work to reach the final.

With no time to assimilate the joy, a strict penalty just before half-time, this time in favor of the Europeans, turned Norio Sasaki's plans upside down. Liverpool player and England's leader Fara Williams managed to equalize the match. They had to start over.

After the break, the Japanese national team took a step forward. Little by little, they were getting closer to Bardsley's goal. Even so, errors and lost balls were constant from both teams. Anything could happen.

Duggan, when the match was at its calmest, took a powerful shot with her instep that hit the crossbar. And two minutes later, it was White who put the Nadeshiko in trouble. The Japanese goalkeeper solved it. The third warning was a header by Scott that went wide. Tense minutes for the current world champions. To remedy the bad minutes, Sasaki brought in Iwabuchi. The 22-year-old Bayern Munich player carried the team on her back. The match seemed destined for extra time, but an own goal from Bassett gave the Japanese the pass to the final. The dream of the English women came to an end. Japan will fight once again against the United States for the World Cup title.