Aya Miyama: The Set-Piece Maestro Behind Japan’s World Cup
Aya Miyama: The Set-Piece Maestro Behind Japan’s World Cup
She scored the equaliser, took the corner that won it, and later wore the captain’s armband. If Sawa was the face of Japan’s 2011 triumph, Aya Miyama was its left foot — precise, calm and decisive.
Aya Miyama was the midfield artist of Japan’s golden generation. A left-footed playmaker and set-piece specialist, she was central to the 2011 Women’s World Cup win: she scored Japan’s late equaliser in the final against the USA, and it was her corner that Homare Sawa converted for the dramatic extra-time leveller. She later succeeded Sawa as captain, leading Nadeshiko Japan to the 2015 World Cup final. Few players have influenced Japan’s biggest matches more directly.
In this guide
1. Who Aya Miyama is
2. The hands behind the 2011 final
3. Captain and leader
4. Why she matters
1. Who Aya Miyama is
The precise, decisive playmaker of Nadeshiko Japan.
Aya Miyama was a technically gifted midfielder renowned for her left foot and dead-ball delivery — among the best set-piece takers in the women’s game.1 She was a constant for Japan through their most successful era, valued as much for her intelligence and leadership as her goals and assists.
2. The hands behind the 2011 final
In the 2011 World Cup final against the United States, Miyama was everywhere that mattered. She scored Japan’s late equaliser in normal time, poking home in the box — and in extra time it was her corner that Homare Sawa flicked in for the goal that forced penalties.1 Two of the most important moments of Japan’s greatest match ran directly through her.
3. Captain and leader
After the 2011 triumph and Sawa’s later retirement from the national team, Miyama inherited the captaincy, and led Nadeshiko Japan to the 2015 World Cup final (where they finished runners-up).1 A thoughtful, respected leader, she remained one of the defining figures of Japanese women’s football into the mid-2010s. ⚠ This is a historical profile; records are settled.
4. Why she matters
- She shaped the biggest game. Scorer and assist provider in the 2011 final.
- She set the standard for set-pieces. One of the great dead-ball specialists.
- She led the team. Captain who guided Japan to another World Cup final.
In five lines
- Aya Miyama was the left-footed playmaker and set-piece maestro of Nadeshiko Japan.
- She scored Japan’s late equaliser in the 2011 World Cup final.
- Her corner set up Homare Sawa’s extra-time equaliser in that final.
- She succeeded Sawa as captain.
- She led Japan to the 2015 World Cup final.
The players who made history
Explore the legends of Japanese football, men’s and women’s.
Sources & notes
- Aya Miyama — set-piece specialist; 2011 Women’s World Cup champion (scored the final’s late equaliser; took the corner Sawa scored from in extra time); succeeded Sawa as captain; 2015 World Cup final. Wikipedia (JA); JFA
A historical player profile dated 14 June 2026. Confirm specifics against official sources where needed.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月14日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月14日
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