BERLIN, July 9 -- Midfielder Elise Bussaglia netted a late 1-1 equalizer for France to force England into overtime and penalty shootout in which England defenders Claire Rafferty and Faye White failed to convert their attempts from the spot in front of 26,395 spectators at Bay Arena on Saturday.
After an unspectacular first half England midfielder Jill Scott opened the scoring at the 59th minute with a successful long-range effort to stun France. The deficit forced France to adjust their offensive actions against England that retracted with the lead behind.
France offensively minded strategy was rewarded with the late 1-1 leveller by midfielder Elise Bussaglia who capitalized on an error by France defense that failed to clear the ball from penalty area to slot home into top left two minutes before final whistle.
The first overtime after 30 goalless minutes ended up with a penalty shootout. France midfielder Camille Abily squandered the starting attempt from the spot to hand over the advantage to the "Three Lionesses" that again suffered a debacle at a penalty shootout as defender Claire Rafferty and Faye White were unable to convert the last two penalties to send "Les Bleus" into semi-finals for the first time.
France will face Brazil or USA at the semi-final in Monchengladbach on the July 13th.