With the score tied at 1-1, Japan was pushing for a late winner to prevent 30 minutes of extra time. Nahomi Kawasumi played a cross into the box from the right side and defender Laura Bassett—far from a household name here—lunged to intercept it. Facing her own goal from 15 yards out, she caught the ball with her right foot and sent it looping into England’s net off the crossbar.

Had it come at the other end, Bassett’s goal would have been a contender for strike of the tournament.

“It was a horrible moment, but you just have to look at how the team has supported her to understand that she’ll be able to get over it,” Sampson said.

If there is a more unfortunate way to lose a World Cup semifinal, no one has found it yet. The distinction could belong to England for a long time. This country knows a thing or two about heartbreaking tournament exits.