Japan delivered a commanding performance, defeating Indonesia 4-0 in their World Championship Qualifying (AFC) match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan, Indonesia. With this victory, Japan extended their lead at the top of Group C, showcasing their depth and quality in both attack and defence.
Starting Lineups
Indonesia lined up with a rigid 5-4-1 formation
Japan’s fluid starting XI setup
First Half: Japan Takes Control
In front of a spirited home crowd, Indonesia set up in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, as seen in the lineup images, aiming to limit Japan's attacking prowess. However, Japan’s 3-4-2-1 formation allowed them to dominate possession, controlling the midfield and creating early pressure.
Japan took the lead in the 35th minute through an own goal by Justin Hubner. Under intense pressure from Japan’s forwards, Hubner turned the ball into his own net, giving Japan a deserved lead. Five minutes later, Japan doubled their advantage when Kaoru Mitoma, who had been lively on the left wing, provided a well-weighted assist to Takumi Minamino. Minamino calmly slotted the ball past the Indonesian keeper, Maarten Paes, putting Japan 2-0 up before the break.
Despite their efforts, Indonesia struggled to gain a foothold. Their midfield, marshalled by Thom Haye and Nathan Tjoe-A-On, couldn’t match Japan’s technical quality and quick passing, with Japan’s players finding pockets of space and applying consistent pressure.
Second Half: Japan Seals the Win
Japan started the second half strongly, adding a third goal just four minutes in. Sporting CP’s Hidemasa Morita, who played a crucial role in midfield, found the net with a well-placed shot to extend Japan’s lead to 3-0. Morita was instrumental throughout the match, completing 92% of his passes and providing a stable presence in midfield.
Indonesia made several substitutions in the 76th minute to try and stem the tide, but Japan’s substitutes continued the onslaught. Yukinari Sugawara, introduced in the 62nd minute, made an immediate impact. In the 69th minute, he capitalised on Indonesia’s defensive lapses and added Japan’s fourth goal, rounding off a dominant display.
Key Players and Statistics
Hidemasa Morita (Japan): Scored Japan’s third goal and dictated play in midfield with 92% passing accuracy. His contributions in defence and attack highlighted his all-around abilities.
Kaoru Mitoma (Japan): Despite a yellow card in the 29th minute, Mitoma was pivotal in Japan’s attack, providing an assist for Minamino’s goal and winning 4 duels.
Takumi Minamino (Japan): Scored Japan’s second goal with a clinical finish, showcasing his composure and positioning sense. His partnership with Mitoma troubled Indonesia’s defence.
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo (Japan): Anchored the midfield, winning 10 duels and completing 95% of his passes. His presence allowed Japan to control possession and dictate the game’s tempo.
For Indonesia, Rafael Struick worked tirelessly, winning 7 duels, but lacked the support needed to make a significant impact. Maarten Paes, despite conceding four goals, made four saves and tried to keep his team in the game against relentless Japanese attacks.
Tactical Overview and Team Performance
Japan’s 3-4-2-1 formation allowed them to control the midfield, with Ko Itakura and Daiki Hashioka providing stability in defence and supporting the attack. Itakura’s passing accuracy of 94% and Hashioka’s strong defensive presence were crucial in neutralising Indonesia’s counter-attacks.
Indonesia’s defensive setup limited Japan’s space in the first half, but their inability to maintain possession (34%) left them vulnerable. Jay Idzes and Rizky Ridho worked hard to shield the defence, but Japan’s speed and precision proved too much to handle.
The lineup images reflect each team’s approach to the game, with Japan’s fluid formation contrasting Indonesia’s rigid defensive structure. However, Japan’s tactical flexibility and quality in possession allowed them to break down Indonesia’s defence repeatedly.
Final Statistics
- Ball Possession: Indonesia 34% - Japan 66%
- Shots on Target: Indonesia 2 - Japan 6
- Total Shots: Indonesia 8 - Japan 12
- Tackles: Indonesia 12 - Japan 14
- Passes: Indonesia 317 - Japan 635
- Corners: Indonesia 4 - Japan 6
Standings Impact
With this win, Japan maintains their unbeaten record in Group C, leading the standings with 13 points from five games. Indonesia remains at the bottom, with just three points, needing a significant turnaround in their remaining fixtures to stay in contention.
Japan’s comprehensive victory showcased their quality and depth, as they used their substitutions effectively and maintained control throughout. For Indonesia, the match highlighted the need to improve their ability to hold possession and execute transitions against high-calibre opposition.
Featured photo: Reuters/Molly Darlington