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Friday, 15 November 2024 08:04

Japan Anticipates Tough Challenge from Indonesia as World Cup Qualification Nears

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VOInews, Tokyo: Japan’s head coach Hajime Moriyasu expects a challenging match against Indonesia, whose team features players born in Europe, in their upcoming World Cup qualifying game in Jakarta.
Ranked 15th in the FIFA standings, Japan currently leads Group C with an unbeaten record of three wins and one draw. A win over Indonesia in front of 78,000 fans in Jakarta would bring Japan closer to securing their eighth consecutive World Cup spot.
 
While Indonesia is considered the underdog, sitting fifth in their group, they have shown resilience with spirited draws against strong teams like Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. “The game tomorrow will be tough as Indonesia will likely play defensively, so we need to be very aggressive,” Moriyasu stated. “Our goal is to be the champion. We’re ready to fight hard tomorrow.”
 
The top two teams from each of the three groups in Asia’s third qualifying round will secure spots in the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Teams finishing third and fourth will advance to another qualifying round.
Japan reached the World Cup Round of 16 in 2022 but was eliminated by Croatia in a penalty shootout. Indonesia, meanwhile, has only qualified once, participating as the Dutch East Indies.
 
Japan captain Wataru Endo, who has seen limited playing time with Liverpool, assured fans of his readiness. “I’ve been working hard, so my condition is good,” said the 31-year-old midfielder. “I’ll give 100% tomorrow.”
 
Indonesia’s South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong expressed confidence, aiming to surprise the top-ranked Asian team. “The players and I are preparing for a match without regrets,” Shin said. “No one can predict the outcome.”
 
Thursday’s 0-0 draw between Australia and Saudi Arabia further boosted Indonesia’s chances. “That result benefits us,” Shin commented. “Besides Japan, the rest of the teams are closely matched, and I feel that luck is on our side.”
 
Indonesia’s strategy of recruiting Dutch-born players for their national team has recently led to improved performances, with as many as 10 Dutch-born players included in recent squads. “The Indonesian national team is very different from before,” Moriyasu acknowledged.
 
Source: AFP
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