Playing Under The Pressure Of Indonesian National Team Supporters, Non-Intensive Japanese Stars

Ritsu Doan was not afraid of the pressure from the Indonesian national team supporters (Instagram/@doanritsu).

JAKARTA - The Japanese national team star player, Ritsu Doang, admitted that he would not be afraid to play under the pressure of the Indonesian national team supporters at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta.

The meeting of the Indonesian vs Japan national team in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification will be held on November 15, 2024.

According to Ritsu Doan, the pressure of the host supporters is commonplace. Moreover, he has experience playing in Europe by defending German club Freiburg FC.

For Ritsu Doan, the atmosphere will actually raise enthusiasm.

"I personally like playing at home to the opponent because of the very supportive atmosphere. In Europe, there is a clear difference between the strength of the team at home and away," said Ritsu Doan in a statement quoted on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Even so, Doan admitted that the atmosphere of the matches that occurred in Asia was indeed different from Europe. According to him, playing at home will indeed have more pressure than playing at the opponent's headquarters.

"In Asia, of course, the atmosphere of away is more pronounced. However, I feel that the referee is now getting fairer. I don't feel much decision that harms Japan."

"In fact, on the contrary, sometimes it is even more difficult to play in Japan with such great pressure from supporters," he said.

On the other hand, regarding the pressure that will be felt in Jakarta, Doan said that this cannot be denied.

Moreover, the Indonesian national team is currently a team that cannot be underestimated by the number of followers on fantastic social media.

"I see the number of their players on social media is very large. Indonesia has a population about twice that of Japan. So their enthusiasm for football is very strong," said Ritsu Doan.