Preview: Indonesia vs. Japan – prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at opposite ends of the Group C table will meet on Friday afternoon Indonesia host Japan in the AFC WC qualifications.

The hosts are fifth in the group table with just three points from four games, while the visitors top the table with 10 points from their four outings.

Match preview

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Indonesia entered the third round of AFC FIFA World Cup qualifiers hoping to secure a place in just their second ever World Cup, their first since 1938, when they were still known as the Dutch East Indies, becoming the first team from Asia to appear in competition, but was eliminated in the opening round.

Shin Tae-yongin charge of the team since 2020, would have been pleased with the way his side kicked off their third round campaign, recording morale-boosting draws against both Saudi Arabia (1-1) and Australia (0-0).

While they would go on to remain unbeaten after three games as they drew 2-2 with Bahrain, Indonesia were left disappointed as they dropped their first three points in the group after conceding a 99th-minute equalizer after leading 2 -1 heading into the final minutes.

Their unbeaten run ended in their last outing when China, despite dominating the game with 76% possession and 14 shots to their opponents’ five, ran out 2-1 winners, leaving Indonesia still looking for their first win in the group.

These results leave Indonesia not only still seeking their first win, but also sitting in fifth place, two points behind the three teams above them, making every point crucial in their quest to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Tae-yong will be hoping his side can recover from their latest defeat and begin their climb up the group standings, but they face tough challenges ahead in the international break with games against group leaders Japan and Saudi Arabia.

Japan have been one of the standout teams in the third round of AFC World Cup qualifiers, remaining unbeaten along with only three other teams, while also having the highest number of goals scored, 15, and the joint best defensive record, with only closed once.

Hajime Moriyasu will welcome Japan’s strong record, especially after their disappointing performance in the 2023 Asian Cup earlier this year, where the Samurai Blue were defeated by Iraq in the group stage and eliminated by Iran in the quarter-finals.

They got through the second round of qualifying for this stage, triumphing in all six matches, scoring 24 and conceding none to top the group with 18 points, nine more than second-placed North Korea, and that form has continued into the third round.

Japan’s third round campaign began with a commanding 7-0 win over China, followed by wins against Bahrain (5-0) and Saudi Arabia (2-0) before being held to a 1-1 draw by Australia in their last game .

Moriyasu’s men, now aiming to return to winning ways and move a step closer to securing their place at the World Cup for the eighth consecutive tournament, will take on an Indonesian side who they comfortably beat 3-1 in their last encounter at the Asian Cup- group stage.

Indonesia World Cup Qualification – Asia Form:

Japan World Cup Qualifying – Asia form:

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© Imago

Despite earning just one point from their matches against Bahrain and China during the national team break in October, Indonesia were dominant in both matches, which could encourage Tae-yong to stick with the same lineup for this match.

Thom Haye came off the bench to score Indonesia’s only goal in the defeat to China last time out and the midfielder is likely to return to the starting XI alongside Ivar Jenner here.

Kevin Dicks is set to join the Indonesia squad for the first time after confirming he will play for the Garuda squad, with the FC Copenhagen defender expected to make his debut against Japan.

Ayase Uedawho has started all four of Japan’s third-round group games, has been ruled out of the upcoming matches due to injury, with Kyogo Furuhashi set to replace him after returning to the squad for the first time since October 2023.

Elsewhere, Moriyasu is expected to name a similar attacking line-up to that which has featured in all their previous outings, with Takefusa Kubo and Takumi Minamino plays just behind the striker while Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan play from wide positions.

Zion Suzuki, Cow Itakura, Shogo Taniguchi and Chef Machida have started all of the last four matches together in defence, and with Moriyasu expecting a tough away match against Indonesia, he is likely to stick with this combination here.

Indonesia’s possible starting line-up:
Paes; Walsh, Diks, Amat, Idzes, Verdonk; Sulaeman, Jenner, Haye, Oratmangoen; Iron

Japan’s possible starting line-up:
Suzuki; Itakura, Taniguchi, Machida; Doan, Endo, Morita, Mitoma; Minamino, Kubo; Furuhashi

We say: Indonesia 0-3 Japan

While Indonesia are expected to struggle against group leaders Japan, Samurai Blue are undeniably the superior side heading into this match and we expect them to secure a comfortable win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match, please click here.

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