On Wednesday night, there was heartbreak for England in Edmonton, but scenes of absolute joy for Japan. The Nadeshiko, with their last-gasp 2-1 victory, sealed their place in Sunday’s final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will meet the USA in Vancouver.
They have spent a huge amount of time in the city on the western coast, winning three games at BC Place Stadium, and now they are one game away from winning the second consecutive World Cup triumph.
What is most impressive about Japan’s road back to Vancouver is that they stand on the verge of World Cup success without having to play their best football at any stage of the competition.