There are heartbreaking losses, and then there’s what England experienced Wednesday in a Women’s World Cup semifinal.

Tied with Japan 1-1 and seemingly headed for extra time, defender Laura Bassett tried to clear the ball from the English zone, but her attempt hit the crossbar and fell behind the goal line in the final minute. Replays and goal line technology confirmed the own goal, sending Japan on to the World Cup final to face the United States on Sunday.

Sympathy and condolences for Bassett and the Lionesses was swift and heartfelt on social media. Here is a sampling of reaction on Twitter:

Absolutely gutted for #ENG…they deserved that game. @laurabassett6, hold ur head high. I hope the country finally embraces this team.

— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) July 2, 2015

Dear @laurabassett6 You’ve been amazing. UR fight&determination are your true character.I know the pain of an own goal but it won’t define U

— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) July 2, 2015

Watching the post match interviews by the England players & coach. Pure class. You represent yourselves and your country brilliantly.thank u

— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) July 2, 2015

Despite the gut-wrenching nature of the defeat, England’s women were terrific and should hold their heads high. Great effort!

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2015

Absolutely devastated for @laurabassett6 We all make mistakes and I hope she doesn’t let this define her.

— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) July 2, 2015

Oh my word, #ENG. So heartbreaking.

— Michael Cummings (@MiguelCominguez) July 2, 2015

That has to go down as one of the worst ways to lose in sports history, given the stage. #ENGvsJAP

— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldFS1) July 2, 2015

Probably the saddest thing I’ve ever seen in soccer #ENGvsJAP #PrayForEngland

— Nick Etemadipour (@ittsnick) July 2, 2015

Chin up, Laura. You still did us proud. #Lionesses #ENGvsJAP http://t.co/hWk8PYn2W0 pic.twitter.com/dbrgJnZvR7

— Coventry Telegraph (@covtelegraph) July 2, 2015

No matter who you were rooting for, that was the worst ending imaginable. #WWC2015

— Bonnie D. Ford (@Bonnie_D_Ford) July 2, 2015

A heartbreaking end… But a nation is now inspired by a group called the #Lionesses. http://t.co/RBuUwiixBJ pic.twitter.com/fuHkpQusNb

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 2, 2015