| Natalie Finn 1. Juli 2015 – 20:41
This has gotta hurt.
Though English defender Laura Bassett was hailed by her manager as a “hero” for her overall play throughout the tournament, we have a feeling that the nausea that must have come when she accidentally put the ball into England’s goal in the game’s 93rd minute—what is known as an own goal—is going to be what sticks with her.
The images coming out of England’s 2-1 loss to Japan tonight illustrate the epitome of grace and sportsmanship—and yet they’re just so heartbreaking.
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Bassett’s teammates of course gathered all around her for soothing hugs and encouraging words, despite what must have been a devastating moment for all.
“She’s been courageous, strong, kept this group together,” England manager Mark Sampson told Fox Sports after the match. “She didn’t deserve that, but she should be looked upon as a hero. Absolute hero.”
England was making its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals appearance. Japan moves on to play the United States in Sunday’s final.
“There’s no words to describe it,” added England’s team captain Steph Houghton. “I’m so proud of all the girls and staff. We’ve been on an amazing journey. That’s football. It can be cruel at times but I think we can hold our heads high and pick ourselves up to go face Germany [in the bronze match] on Saturday.”
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“I do want to state straight away Laura Bassett’s name is on that score sheet, but she’s epitomized this tournament,” Sampson also told the BBC. “She didn’t deserve that but she’ll be looked upon as a hero [for her previous performances for England]. That’s what people will remember.”
The Twitterverse felt for Bassett too, of course, with retired American soccer star Landon Donovan being one of the first to empathetically express his support for her.
“Absolutely devastated for @ We all make mistakes and I hope she doesn’t let this define her,” he tweeted.
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