Miyama Wants ‘Correct Mental Attitude’

Having won the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in stunning fashion, Japan are among the undisputed favourites going into Canada 2015.

While Norio Sasaki’s Nadeshiko have fixed sights on retaining their crown, captain Aya Miyama believes that the correct mental attitude is key if her side are to live up to growing expectations.

“Our goal is to win this World Cup,” the cool-headed 29-year-old midfielder told FIFA.com. “We will play (hard) to achieve it. But we should shrug off the state of mind as defending champions and start as underdogs. We should challenge (the rivals) to become champions.”

Whatever Japan’s mental approach, Miyama’s cautious tone reflects the challenging task of a group also featuring Switzerland, Cameroon and Ecuador, all of which represent uncharted water for the Nadeshiko.

“We have never played against any of these three countries in the same group,” she said. “So my impression is that we have a very difficult group. Despite the unfamiliar opponents facing us, we will definitely qualify to the knockout stage as we aim to win the tournament.”