There have been few times sports have been as cruel as soccer was to Laura Bassett on Wednesday.
The stalwart England defender, her team riding a wave of national momentum into the World Cup semis, found herself the cause of a stoppage time own goal, one that sent Japan onto the final.
[ MATCH REPORT: England 1-2 Japan ]
Bassett thrust her leg out to prevent a cross from getting to its destination, and instead directed the ball off the crossbar and over the line. England, almost surely, was sunk. Moments later, they were out of the tournament.
A dejected Bassett crumpled to a heap, inconsolable.
Nevertheless, the world tried, via Twitter.
From Brandi Chastain and Jeb Brovsky to total strangers from England and beyond, my goodness, people tried. With #proudofBassett and #TrueLionesses hashtags to boot.@laurabassett6 You’ve been absolutely fantastic for the whole tournament! You can hold you’re head up high #hero #ProudOfBassett #Lionesses
— Owen Reed (@Owenr22) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 It will sting for awhile, but life is so much bigger than soccer and way bigger than a mistake. Prayers up for you.
— DèRontè Polite (@CoachDPolite) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 You and your team put on a courageous performance today and all tournament. Keep your chin up, tomorrow is a new day.
— Jersey Al - GBP (@JerseyAlGBP) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 you played your hardest, it’s an unfortunate pt of the game and it’s heart wrenching. Move forward like a champ, bc u are
— Jes Anderson (@Jesanderson) July 2, 2015
Any great defender would have done the exact same thing in @laurabassett6 situation. She is not at all to blame for the loss. #WWC2015
— Dave M. Kovalchick (@DaveKovalchick) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 Watched the game w/ my young son. We think u played wonderfully well & should keep ur head high!
— Ali (@RealADC) July 2, 2015
I’m not an England supporter but I want to send some love to Laura Bassett ♥ @laurabassett6 #Lionesses #ProudOfBassett #WomensWorldCup
— Mack (@Kcam0011) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 you played valiantly through the tournament. It’s a beautiful game with some cruel moments.
— Leah Voit (@LeahV93) July 2, 2015
@laurabassett6 Hold your head up high You have lead by example and been IMMENSE all tournament #ProudOfBassett and proud #Lionesses
— kellywilloughby (@kellymaire1985) July 2, 2015
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
Been immense tonight @laurabassett6 #headheldhigh
— Megs (@MegsHarris7) July 2, 2015
Guys I’m not Laura Bassett the soccer player. But feel free to continue tweeting at me it’s kinda fun
— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) July 2, 2015Follow @NicholasMendola