Japan Will Appear Aggressive Against The Indonesian National Team

The Japanese national team while practicing at the Madya Stadium, Jakarta (Instagram/@japanfootballassociation).

JAKARTA The coach of the Japanese national team, Hajime Moriyasu, ensured that his team would appear aggressive against the Indonesian national team.

The Indonesia vs Japan national team match on the fifth matchday of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian Zone will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Friday, November 15, 2024.

"The Indonesian national team is likely to appear defensive in tomorrow's match so we have to play aggressively," said Hajime Moriyaso in a press conference ahead of the match, Thursday, November 14, 2024, at SUGBK.

On paper, the Garuda Squad clearly lost its quality compared to Japan. Currently, the team nicknamed the Blue Samurai sits in the 15th position ranked FIFA, while Indonesia is in the 130th position.

In addition, Japan has also not lost four matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification that have been played. This result contrasts with Indonesia which was only able to get three draws and one defeat.

However, Hajime Moriyasu refused to underestimate the Indonesian national team, which is currently reinforced by many naturalized players.

"Now, it is clear that Indonesia's strength is much better than before. In addition, the opponent must have also analyzed our game," he said.

Currently Japan is still in the top position of Group C with a collection of 10 points. Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team is still in fifth position with three points.

Currently, the Indonesian national team is pursuing a minimum target of finishing in fourth place in Group C standings so as not to be eliminated in the competition to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup finals.

If you finish in that position, Indonesia's struggle to appear in the World Cup for the first time in history can continue to the Fourth Round.

As for being able to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Third Round, the Indonesian national team must at least finish in second place. This position is considered difficult to achieve.