JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team defender, Calvin Verdonk, is confident in aiming for victory during the Garuda squad against Japan.

The match is the Third Round of Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Sona Asia, which will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday, November 15, 2024.

The NEC player Nijmegen realized that the quality of the Blue Samurai was above the Indonesian national team.

However, he believes that all Indonesian national team players can get more encouragement because they play at home.

"Of course we are eyeing a win. If you look at the Japanese match against Australia, they are playing a draw."

"So we played home in front of the fans. There was a chance to win, but we'll see after Friday's game. I hope we can win," Verdonk said as reported by Antara.

Verdonk further had no problem pairing it as a centre-back or operating on the left side.

As is known, the 27-year-old defender is often installed at the center-back post when Shin Tae-yong plays a three-back scheme.

However, it is not uncommon for Verdonk to play left midfielder in a five-fielder or left-back scheme when the four-back system.

"For me it's not difficult. At my club, I also sometimes play as a center back".

"For me, it doesn't matter which position I play. In my opinion, with my quality, I can be played in both positions. It doesn't matter to me," said Verdonk.

The Indonesian national team currently occupies the fifth position in Group C standings with a collection of three points from four matches. While Japan is the top of the standings with 10 points.

However, Australia's distance in second place is only two points ahead of the Indonesian national team. Victory will make the Garuda Squad's position boosted.


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