Devastating mistake triggers outpouring support for England's Bassett

By Lindsay Claiborn

Published Jul. 1, 2015 9:04 p.m. ET

Wednesday's Women's World Cup semifinal clash came down to one flukey own-goal, literally.

England defender Laura Bassett handed Japan a 2-1 victory in stoppage time after inexplicably poking the ball back into her own net as the ball ricocheted off the crossbar, giving keeper Karen Bardsley no chance for a save.

As a result, Japan now will advance to the final against the United States on Sunday (live, FOX, FOX Sports Go, 7 p.m. ET), while England get a chance to bounce back from their semifinal nightmare on Saturday against Germany in the third-place match (live, FOX, FOX Sports, Go, 4 p.m. ET).

Take a look at the shock, heartbreak and support that overflowed on social media:

Absolutely devastated for @laurabassett6 We all make mistakes and I hope she doesn't let this define her.
— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) July 2, 2015

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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

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Remember Doug Flutie's Hail Mary Pass? Laura Bassett just experienced the exact opposite #HeartBreak #ENG
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 2, 2015

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Dear @laurabassett6 You've been amazing. UR fight&determination are your true character.I know the pain of an own goal but it won't define U
— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) July 2, 2015

So cruel on @England and @FranKirbyy but the entire club is proud of what you've done in this tournament. #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/zA1rhpEjel
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) July 2, 2015

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That was so cruel. Unbelievable. No words. Heads up #ENG and thanks for defending Europe so well!! #FIFAWWC
— Verónica Boquete (@VeroBoquete) July 2, 2015

Who wants to reach out and give #laurabassett a virtual hug?!! Poor thing .. 92min scores on her own team, England. Breaks your heart.
— Natalie Morales (@NMoralesNBC) July 2, 2015

My God that's cruel, @laurabassett6 has been a rock this World Cup. Didn't deserve that. Going to hurt a lot more than Abily's elbow did.
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMoore7) July 2, 2015

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Putting aside that freak bollocky jammy underserved goal....Men of Roy Hodgson...that...is how you wear the England shirt. #treacleworldcup
— Danny Dyer (@MrDDyer) July 2, 2015

GUTTED. Didn't deserve to go out like that. They did us proud. #Lionesses A
— antanddec (@antanddec) July 2, 2015

@laurabassett6 Hold your head up high girl. You have lead by example and been IMMENSE all tournament. We ❤️ you.
— Kelly Smith (@kelly_smith10) July 2, 2015

England, specifically @laurabassett6, need 2 hold their heads high- they have made their country proud & grabbed the hearts of their nation.
— rhian wilkinson (@rhirhi8) July 2, 2015

Have felt pain like that and wouldn't wish it on anyone. The margins at the top are so small. We win and lose as a TEAM. #ENG
— Faye White (@faye_white) July 2, 2015

Listening to your coach/teammates speak about you says more about you than any 1 play @laurabassett6. #ENG
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 2, 2015