Japan edge past spirited England 2-1 to reach Women's WC final

London: Defending champions Japan fended off a spirited England side 2-1 in a dramatic contest to reach the Women's World Cup final.

Although Aya Miyama's spot-kick put Japan ahead in the 32nd minute, Fara Williams quickly levelled through a penalty eight minutes later, the BBC reported.

However, Laura Bassett's injury-time own goal helped the holders progress to the final while plunging the roaring Lionesses into silence.

England produced a spirited fightback as they squandered three good chances before ending the campaign in agonizing fashion.

Japan will now seek to replicate the 2011 World Cup final heroics in Sunday's finale.

Meanwhile, England will lock horns with Germany in Saturday's third-place play-off.