
Japan celebrates after a goal by midfielder Aya Miyama (8) during the first half against the England in the semifinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium. [Photo/Agencies]
The teams traded penalty kick goals seven minutes apart in the first half.
Aya Miyama opened the scoring in the 33rd minute by driving the ball into the open left corner while Bardsley guessed the wrong way.
The penalty was set up when Mizuho Sakaguchi's long kick from Japan's side of the field found Saori Ariyoshi free up the right side. As Ariyoshi got control of the ball, she was pushed from behind by Claire Rafferty.
The Lionesses responded on Fara Williams' penalty kick in the 40th minute. She threaded a shot just inside the left post, barely out of the reach of diving keeper Ayumi Kaihori.
That penalty came off corner kick to the right of the Japan net. Williams' kick into the area bounced between four players before Steph Houghton got control, took a step toward the net and went down when Ogimi appeared to catch the back of Houghton's foot.
England had the Japanese on their heels during a four-minute span of the second half.
![]() | ![]() |
4-year-old cute 'monk' spends summer holiday in temple
College graduates shining on the red carpet in Nanjing
PLA soldiers launch guided missiles in confrontation exercise
One woman’s fight against dog eaters
Beautiful and smart - post-90s college teacher goes viral
Top 10 luxury houses in the world
National Geographic: best photos during journey
Couples who engage in meaningful and deep conversations are happier
Maldives resort rated best hotel of 2015
Europe can reshape Sino-West relationship
Decades-old meat sold across country
Stock market rebounds after policy boost
10 cool places to beat China’s summer heat Day|Week