InsideJapan News Network

Three key figures in Japanese football have been nominated by FIFA and France Football for prestigious awards following the nation's victory at the Women's World Cup earlier this year.

In the running for FIFA Women's World Player of he Year award are midfielders Aya Miyama and Homare Sawa, who was top scorer at the summer's competition.

They are joined by eight other nominees from countries as varied as Sweden, Germany and the US, with a Japanese player yet to take the title.

Norio Sasaki is also up for FIFA World Coach of the Year, with the nominations narrowed to three on December 5th, while the overall winners will have to wait until January 9th to hear who reigns supreme.

The women's team won the FIFA Women's World Cup in July after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against the US.

The two teams appeared to be fairly even in strength, completing extra time with a 1-1 draw. However Japan netted 3 goals in the shoot-out, compared to just one from America.

Posted by Mark Smith  


Related news stories:
Japan to host the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (14th February 2012)
FIFA give backing to Japanese World Cup bids (22nd July 2010)
FIFA inspectors visit Osaka (19th July 2010)
Fifa unveils official Japan 2012 emblem (14th May 2012)