Japan's Aya Miyama Is the One to Watch in Women's World Cup Final

Nothing about Japan’s game, in theory, is about the individual. Their whole philosophy is about passing, controlling and even scoring by committee. 

That’s what makes the brilliance of Aya Miyama so hard to notice. She is not a outspoken leader or a media magnet like Abby Wambach or as internationally recognized as Alex Morgan. Miyama is the captain of Japan, but she is one with the system. She is hard on herself but also the hardest worker on the team. 

And Miyama, arguably the best player in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, is the biggest threat to the United States in this Women’s World Cup final.

Already a frontrunner for the Golden Ball—the award handed to the best player at the World Cup—Miyama has two goals and two assists. She plays distributor and finisher. It’s her fourth World Cup, and it shows.

The 30-year-old is omnipresent on the pitch, dominating on the left flank and then drifting into space in the middle of the pitch, starting plays from a deeper position. She shoots from afar, takes set pieces and sets up teammates: the ultimate midfield trifecta.

Her patience is perhaps even more remarkable than her skill. As Miyama stepped up to take a penalty in the semifinal against England, she tip-toed and soaked up every second of her approach to the ball without stopping her forward movement. It was so calm yet devastating. 

She is also opportunistic, almost like a third striker in Japan’s formation. And the U.S. know it all too well.

In the 2011 final between the two nations, Miyama scored the crucial equalizer with nine minutes left in regulation to send the match into extra time. She capitalized on a defensive error and poked the ball past goalkeeper Hope Solo. Miyama then buried Japan's first penalty, and her country went on to celebrate their first title.

American right-back Ali Kreiger was responsible for that defensive miscue, the ball bouncing off her foot and straight to Miyama. The two will see a lot of each other in this final as well—one of the key matchups in this game. There is room for redemption here, as Kreiger has had a much stronger tournament for the U.S. this year. Or Miyama could pile the pressure on Kreiger and the rest of the defense, hovering in the background and waiting to strike again.

More than anything, Japan need their captain to get on the scoresheet. None of her teammates has scored more than once in this World Cup. The Japanese, as a whole, have only won games by a single goal each time. 

Japan, generally a possession-based side with an emphasis on team play, need a player like Miyama to stand out and repeat history.