Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
As part of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, Japan and Indonesia will go head-to-head. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, with kick-off set for 12:35 Central European Time. I’m offering my pick for the winner of this encounter.
Match preview
The Japanese national team remains one of the powerhouses of Asian football. Under Hajime Moriyasu’s guidance, the squad breezed through World Cup qualifying and was among the first to secure a spot in the final tournament.
The Samurai Blue display balanced, fast-paced, and technically gifted football, featuring plenty of intricate combinations and aggressive pressing. The roster boasts seasoned players from top European clubs, such as Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, and Wataru Endo, making Japan a formidable opponent for any side.
Even with possible squad rotation, Japan’s depth allows them to maintain a high standard of play. Moriyasu has successfully integrated new faces, giving opportunities to young talents while staying true to the team’s core philosophy.
Japan enter the match against Indonesia as overwhelming favourites, though the outcome won’t affect their standing—they’re guaranteed to finish atop their qualifying group regardless of the result.
Indonesia have made notable progress in recent years, both in terms of tactical organisation and football infrastructure, particularly with the naturalisation of players with European experience.
Guided by the legendary Patrick Kluivert, the team has shown grit and discipline, which allowed them to mount a challenge for a place in the fourth round of qualification. Under the Dutchman, Indonesia have played just three matches but managed to collect six points, narrowly defeating Bahrain and China. The clash with Australia can be set aside, as the gap in class was evident.
Despite their motivation and effort, Indonesia’s quality still lags behind Asia’s elite. The fixture against Japan will be a true test, and the coaching staff is likely to focus on containing the hosts’ attack and seeking opportunities from set-pieces or on the counter.
The islanders will fight for a spot in the World Cup finals against tough opponents, where they’ll be considered underdogs as usual. Likely rivals include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iraq.
Match facts
- Japan have failed to score in their last two matches.
- The Samurai Blue are unbeaten at home for over two years.
- Indonesia have won their last two matches by the same 1-0 scoreline.
- Indonesia haven’t won an away match since March last year.
- Japan average 1.8 goals per home game, while Indonesia average 1 goal per away match.
Probable lineups
- Japan: Suzuki, Machida, Hiroki, Watanabe, Endo, Suzuki, Fujita, Kamada, Hirakawa, Kubo, Ohashi.
- Indonesia: Audero, Ridho, Idzes, Habner, Sayuri, Verdonk, Haye, Pelupessy, Vikri, Kambuaya, Romeny.
H2H
- The sides have met four times: one draw and three Japanese victories.
- On home soil, Japan have won both encounters against Indonesia by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Prediction
Given Japan’s attacking prowess and Indonesia’s frailties at the back—especially under high pressing—another dominant display from the Samurai Blue seems likely. While the match is meaningless for the hosts and their squad isn’t at full strength, I still expect Japan to cruise to victory. My bet: Japan to win with a -1.5 goal handicap.
