Japan players celebrate as England’s Katie Chapman (left) reacts after an own goal by Laura Bassett (on ground).

An injury time own goal from England defender Laura Bassett put Japan into the World Cup final with a 2-1 victory late Wednesday, setting up a title re-match with the United States.

The United States, who lost the 2011 final to Japan on penalties, booked their ticket to Sunday’s championship game in Vancouver with a 2-0 win over top-ranked Germany on Tuesday.

Bassett’s attempted sliding clearance from a low cross crashed off the underside of the bar and over the goal-line to end England’s dreams of a first final in the cruellest of fashions.

“It is heartbreaking to go out in the last minute after a good performance where we ran ourselves into the ground,” said England midfielder Jill Scott.

“We couldn’t have given any more, but football is a cruel game sometimes.”

The teams had been set for extra-time after sharing two controversial first-half penalties – Aya Miyama’s 33rd minute spot-kick being cancelled out by Fara Williams’s penalty seven minutes later.

England, playing in their first Women’s World Cup semi-final, struck the woodwork twice in the second half and went close with several other opportunities but that counted for nothing after Bassett’s mishap which left her distraught.

Defending champions Japan again left their victory late – their quarter-final win over Australia had come with an 87th minute winner.

While England were left devastated, Japan coach Norio Sasaki told reporters his team deserved to win because they had been willing to risk defeat by pushing forward in the dying moments.

“The goal was a result of everyone pushing us on with their support and came from our determination to win,” he said.

“England played really well.

“I want my players to go into the final not being afraid of making mistakes.”