Women’s Weekend Football Fixtures 23rd & 24th May 2015

As I reported I went to the game on May 6. Officially the match was Yunogo Belle vs. Urawa Reds. However, the practical competition was Aya Miyama vs. Urawa Reds. Belle could have done nothing against the Reds were not Miyama there. In fact, Belle can do nothing against any team without Miyama. And the tragic fact is the more other players rely on Miyama the more they lose their own quality. The present situation of Yunogo Belle shows even the magnificent Miyama cannot carry such team all by herself. It is almost certain her team will play in the lower group in the second stage. Who can tell for certain they will stay in the top division?

And I have no choice but to say—exactly same thing is happening to the national team. Officially, today’s game was Japan vs. New Zealand. The truth is it was Aya Miyama vs. New Zealand. New Zealand outperformed Japan in everything, not only the usual physicality and speed but also the possession and organization. It was New Zealand, not Japan, who reminds us of the Nadeshikos we saw in 2011 cup.

Japan still has Miyama and that’s all they have. Miyama’s quality kick is something to be found nowhere else in the world therefore very difficult to practice against. It worked again today. Miyama’s corner kick caused the Sawa’s goal and Japan managed to keep the lead to the end thanks to multiple factors of which the primary one was luck. (Saw the PK?)

But what is happening to Belle will happen to Japan. Miyama will find even her super effort is less than enough to prevent her team from tumbling down in the world of football. There is no doubt.

However, if you are a supporter of Nadeshiko Japan do not lose your heart. We have our young generation, the players we see in the U23, U19 and even younger. In a way it is fortunate none of them is in the current national team because they did not learn to rely on Aya Miyama.