AsmawandMatchAnalysis: Japan X Indonesia
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Prologue
Looking at the starting XI fielded by Indonesia in their away match against Japan, I have to admit I was surprised by the lineup Kluivert chose.
Nearly 50% different compared to the starting XI against China a few days ago. True, this match was "no longer" crucial for either side. But for Indonesia, making as many as five changes was still a bold move.
What is Kluivert planning? Will that plan work in this match? It’ll be interesting to see.
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First Half
Five minutes into the match, Japan had no trouble taking control of possession. Their attacking combinations flowed smoothly, whether from the left or right side of Indonesia’s defense.
How did Indonesia respond? The visitors tried to limit Japan’s attacking combinations by maintaining compact defensive lines.
The result? Japan only managed their first chance in the 11th minute through Machino—off target, sailing over Audero’s goal. In the 15th minute, the hosts finally registered their first on-target attempt.
Unfortunately for Indonesia, Kamada’s headed effort found the back of the net. The score changed to 1-0.
The misfortune continued for the visitors. Four minutes later, they conceded again, this time from an individual effort by Kubo. In less than 20 minutes, the hosts were already leading 2-0.
Trailing by two goals forced Indonesia to push forward. Did their efforts pay off? Not yet.
The main issue for Indonesia was their midfield-to-attack transition. At best, their reactions only improved in the build-up phase, never progressing to off- or on-target attempts.
Otherwise, Japan remained firmly in control. By the 28th minute, the hosts’ possession dominance had reached 74% to 26%.
What happened in the next 17 minutes? The match became flat and uneventful. Only two more big chances were created by the hosts—one from Kubo (off target) and another from Kamada’s composure. He accelerated, fooled Mess and Idzes, before slotting a chip past Audero.
The first half ended with Japan comfortably ahead, 3-0.
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Second Half
What were the immediate reactions from both teams in the second half? Both made substitutions—Nakamura for Japan, Kambuaya for Indonesia.
Additionally, Indonesia came out attacking aggressively. They had no choice but to chase the game.
Kambuaya’s introduction added dynamism to Indonesia’s attack in the RWF position for the first 10 minutes, but after that, the hosts regained control.
Within four minutes (55’ and 58’), Japan produced two on-target attempts—both resulting in goals. One from Morishita’s volley, the other from Machino’s tap-in. The visitors were now trailing heavily, 5-0.
Did Japan ease up? No. Until the 70th minute, the hosts remained stable in possession and dominant in chance creation.
Proof? In the 70th minute alone, Audero had to scramble to save three on-target attempts and block two off-target ones. The climax came in the 80th minute when Hosoya poked in Japan’s sixth.
From the 70th minute onward, Indonesia’s defense became increasingly porous. Why? Exhaustion was the main issue.
Fortunately, this match no longer held significance for either team. If we had to find a silver lining in this chaotic game, it’s that Indonesia faced a strong opponent capable of exposing their weaknesses in every aspect.
What weaknesses? Build-up play easily disrupted, frequent misplaced passes, inability to sustain possession, pressing easily bypassed, and sporadic attacks—mostly long balls from defense to attack.
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Epilogue
It must be admitted, Indonesia’s performance in this match was abysmal. Not only were they crushed 6-0, but they were also utterly ineffective in constructing attacks.
In fact, across 90 minutes, they failed to create a single on- or off-target opportunity. That’s Indonesia’s worst statistical performance in the third round of the 2026 Asian WCQ.
In summary, congratulations to Japan for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and of course, congratulations to Indonesia for advancing to the fourth round of Asian WCQ. Although… there’s still much work to be done.
There’s still time before the fourth round begins. Use that time wisely to improve.









