Facing Japan, Draw Means Win for Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — When three points seemed impossible for the Indonesian national football team in the final match of Group C in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, earning one point would hold historical significance when facing Japan on Tuesday (10/6/2025) at the Suita City Football Stadium, Osaka Prefecture. The duel against the "Blue Samurai" is also a crucial test for the "Garuda" team in preparation for the fourth round of qualifiers.

Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun," is akin to "hell" for Indonesia. Since visiting Japan for the international match at the Kirin Cup in 1979 until the last visit in the World Cup qualifiers in 1990, Indonesia has always returned home with absolute defeats.

Not only did Indonesia suffer defeats, but they also failed to score in their away matches in Japan. In three matches in Japan, Indonesia conceded 12 goals. This record includes a 0-4 loss in the Kirin Cup in 1979, a 0-3 defeat in the 1988 Olympic qualifiers, and a heavy 0-5 loss in the 1990 World Cup qualifiers.

The match against Japan in the final battle of the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualification holds no significance for the progress of both teams. Japan has already secured a spot in the main stage of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Indonesia has ensured one place from the allocation of six teams that will advance to the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

"We arrived in Japan with a very good team atmosphere. Our determination is to continue the positive performance after defeating China," said Indonesia's Coach Patrick Kluivert.

Given the current situation, the one point earned from Suita will place Kluivert in the annals of Indonesian football history. The Dutch tactician is determined to become the first coach to prevent the Indonesian national team from suffering defeat while also scoring goals on Japanese soil.

One point from Japan will enhance the moral condition of the Garuda squad. The reason is that Japan is currently the best team in Asia. Therefore, the upcoming match is very important as preparation for Indonesia ahead of competing against teams from the Arabian Peninsula in the fourth round next October.

Suita will be the third city that Indonesia visits to face the Blue Samurai. In the previous three away matches, Indonesia played twice in Tokyo during the Kirin Cup in 1979 and the 1988 Olympic qualifiers. The last match in Japan before the new millennium took place in Hiroshima.

I can't wait for the next game (Japan). Let's beat Japan. - Ole Romeny -

Indonesia arrived in Japan on Saturday (7/6/2025) evening. Dozens of Indonesian diaspora welcomed the Garuda squad at Kansai International Airport, Osaka. On Sunday (8/6/2025), Jay Idzes and his teammates began preparations by undergoing their first training session.

Indonesia's hope to surprise Japan lies in the sharpness of striker Ole Romeny. Three goals in the first three matches wearing the Garuda jersey have boosted Ole's confidence, the spearhead of the English club, Oxford United.

If he can conquer Japan's defense, Ole will become the first player of the Indonesian national team to score in an away match against Japan. In addition, Ole will also make history as the first Indonesian striker to score in four consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.

"I can't wait for the next game (Japan). Let's beat Japan," said Ole.

Unlike the match against China, Ole will be accompanied by his teammate from Oxford, Marselino Ferdinan, in the upcoming game. The understanding between Ole and Marselino has already resulted in a victory against Bahrain last March.

Regardless of the solid connection that has been established with Marselino, Ole has also demonstrated excellent collaboration with Egy Maluana Vikri. The two forwards have been able to execute quick one-two plays to break through China's defense. Thus, Egy has the opportunity to form a trident in Indonesia's front line alongside Ole and Marselino.

In addition to Egy, another option to complete the forward lineup is Ricky Kambuaya. Egy's teammate at Dewa United was one of the standout players against China on Thursday (5/6/2025). Ricky was fouled by a Chinese defender, resulting in Indonesia being awarded a penalty that was perfectly executed by Ole.

The host nation, Japan, is pursuing a strong finish in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualification. In their last two matches, the Blue Samurai were held to a draw by Saudi Arabia in Saitama last March, and then suffered their first defeat in the 2026 World Cup qualification when they lost 0-1 to Australia in Perth, Australia, last Thursday.

Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu is determined to help his team seek revenge and recover from their defeat. The main objective for Japan, Moriyasu revealed, is to defeat Indonesia in Suita, which will be filled with approximately 40,000 supporters.

"We want to continue our journey without losing in the qualification round, but the match against Australia has already taken place. We are fully focused on preparing ourselves as best as possible to secure victory in the next match at home," said Moriyasu as reported on the FIFA website.

Three points will help Japan achieve their highest points tally in the third round of the World Cup. Since the third round was introduced in the qualification for the 2018 World Cup, the highest points collection is 22 points, which was recorded during the qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

As of the ninth match, the Samurai Blue squad has accumulated 23 points. In addition, Japan also has the opportunity to become the best team in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Among the three competing groups, only Iran, the current leader of Group A, can reach the maximum points of 23.

On the other hand, the ambition to secure full points against Indonesia does not diminish Moriyasu's desire to provide opportunities for new Japanese players. In the match against Australia, for instance, Moriyasu fielded three debutants from the start. They are Hiroki Sekine (defender, Reims FC), Yu Hirakawa (wing midfielder, Bristol City), and Kota Tawaratsumida (wing midfielder, FC Tokyo).

Of the 27 names called by Moriyasu for the two matches this June, there are still five players awaiting their appearances with the Samurai Blue. These five players are Junnosuke Suzuki (defender, Shonan Bellmare), Shunsuke Mito (midfielder, Sparta Rotterdam), Kodai Sano (midfielder, NEC Nijmegen), Koki Kumasaka (defensive midfielder, Kashiwa Reysol), and Ryunosuke Sato (attacking midfielder, Fagiano Okayama).