Shin Tae-yong About Japan's Opponents: It's A Tough Game

Shin Tae-yong must prepare harder before Japan's opponents in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (VOI/Ferry Tri Adi Sasono).

JAKARTA The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong admitted that the duel against Japan in the Group C match of the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone Qualification World Cup will be the toughest match.

Indonesia is scheduled to host Japan in the fifth match of Group C at the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium, Friday, November 15, 2024.

"It can be seen from the FIFA rankings and they are also the highest in Asia. In addition, performance is the best in Asia. So, to be honest, it must be tough against Japan for us," said Shin.

Japan is the only team that has not lost so far in Group C. Of the four matches they have played, they won three times and drew once.

The result makes Japan now sit comfortably at the top of the standings with 10 points. Japan's capital clearly leaves Indonesia with a very small chance of getting points.

"It must be admitted that the performance and ability of the Japanese team is very good. So, the preparation must be even more perfect, but it will still be a tough match," said the South Korean coach.

On the other hand, the Indonesian national team has so far only secured three points. The acquisition was the result of three draws and one loss against China in the group's last match.

This result makes Indonesia now still in fifth position in the standings. The place is not yet safe for the Garuda Squad if they want to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

To be able to get tickets to the final round, the Indonesian national team must at least finish in second place.

If that target is not achieved, then Shin Tae-yong's team will need to pursue third or fourth positions.

This position makes the Indonesian national team's hope to stay alive because it will play the Fourth Quarter of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. There, the Garuda Squad again competed with two other countries to win a ticket to the final round.

If the fourth round of the Indonesian national team fails to get a place to the final round, then the last hope is the international playoffs. With a note, the runner-up position of the Fourth Round must be secured.

In that intercontinental playoffs, the Indonesian national team had to win the match to get the only ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals remaining.