Defending champion Japan will meet the United States in the final of the Women's World Cup for the second tournament in a row after a dramatic 2-1 defeat of England in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Japan captain Aya Miyama opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute before England replied with a penalty of its own through Fara Williams five minutes before halftime.

But Japan snatched victory in the dying seconds when England defender Laura Bassett turned into her own net in the second minute of second-half injury time.