Fara Williams struck a 40th-minute penalty as history-chasing England Women held Japan Women to a 1-1 half-time draw in this morning's World Cup semi-final.
The Lionesses have gripped their nation as of late after becoming only the second England side to reach the last four of a World Cup since the men's triumph of 1966.
With just 37 seconds on the clock, Jodie Taylor came agonisingly close to ensuring a dream start when her half-volley flew narrowly past the post.
Japan slowly but surely settled into the contest and went close on 20 minutes when Aya Sameshima latched on to Miyama's through-ball, but her final effort sailed over the bar.
It was a sign of things to come, though, as the defending champions opened the scoring on 31 minutes when Aya Miyama coolly slotted a penalty beyond Karen Bardsley after Claire Rafferty fouled Saori Ariyoshi.
The lead only lasted some eight minutes, however, as Williams fired England level from the spot when Yuki Ogimi conceded another penalty to preserve England's hopes of reaching the final.
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