Miyama strikes for Japan, Mexico salvage point

Japan’s Aya Miyama struck a sublime free-kick to net her nation a 2-1 Group B win over New Zealand at the women’s FIFA World Cup on Monday.

Miyama broke the deadlock in the 68th minute in Bochum, Germany, after the two countries went to the break level after respective goals in the opening quarter-hour.

Yuki Nagasato put the Japanese unit ahead on six minutes, when she got on the end of a perfectly timed through-ball from Shinobu Ohno to lob New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon for the opener.

However, the New Zealanders were level after just 12 minutes, when Amber Hearn got on the end of Ria Percival’s cross to score.

Miyama was the difference in the second half, as her curling strike from the dead ball curled over the defensive wall and past a diving Bindon to secure the Japanese outfit all three points.

In the remaining Group B encounter, Mexico came from behind to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw with England in Wolfsburg.

Fara Williams put the English side ahead with a header on 21 minutes, but Monica Ocampo equalised for the Mexicans 12 minutes later with a scorcher from long range into the top-right corner of England ‘keeper Karen Bardsley’s net.

Next up in Group B, Japan take on Mexico in Leverkusen, and New Zealand will do battle with England – both games kicking off on Friday.