Patrick Kluivert Tofu Key To Japan's Victory Over The Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Team (Timnas) coach, Patrick Kluivert, revealed Japan's main strength which won a 6-0 victory in the closing match of Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round at Suita Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

The Dutch coach highlighted the equal strength in each line and the collective work of Japan which really made it difficult for his team.

"I think collectively and individually they have very skilled players. Lots of movement in the team."

"I think that's the main key to Japan. They have a lot of movement, they know where to go at the right time."

"They have fantastic pressing games. So, I think collectively they know what to do," Kluiver said at a press conference after the game.

Japan did not field its best players, such as Takumi Minamino,LAH Mitoma, Hidemasa Morita, to Ritsu Doan. However, they still did not lose their quality in front of the Indonesian national team.

After never winning from their last two matches, Japan closed the Third Round sweetly plus a beautiful game in front of its own supporters.

Six Japanese goals were scored by Daichi Kamada (15' and 45+5'), as well as one goal each from Takefusa Kubo (19'), Ryoya Morishita (55'), Shuto Machino (58'), and Mao Hoskya (80').

Not only winning, Japanese statistics are also very dominant throughout the match. In fact, they made the Indonesian national team unable to release a single shot into the net.

These statistics are clearly worse than the first meeting between Indonesia vs Japan at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in November 2024.

At that time, Indonesia lost with fewer goals, namely 0-4. The game also performed better. In fact, the Garuda Squad recorded eight shots which ended with two great chances.

However, in the match in Osaka, the Indonesian national team was really made helpless.

"They pressed very well. Also in possession of the ball, they moved the ball very quickly. So it was very difficult to maintain," Kluiver said.

With this power, said Kluivert, Japan will make it difficult for its opponents at the 2026 World Cup.

"I think many countries will have a lot of trouble playing against teams like Japan," he said.

Japan memastikan lolos ke Piala Dunia 2026 setelah mengalahkan Bahrain pada Maret 2025. Itu merupakan kellolosan turna final 8, Samurai Biru di Piala Dunia sejak debut pada 1998.

This time, Japan has ambitions to appear more in the 2026 World Cup. In fact, the captain of the Blue Samurai, Wataru Endo, targets his team to become champions in the tournament played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada after breaking into the last 16.