REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Japanese national team will face Indonesia in the fifth match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Asia Zone. The match will take place at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Senayan, Jakarta, Friday (15/11/2024) evening.

Japan captain Wataru Endo in a press conference ahead of the match on Thursday (14/11/2024) in SUGBK said that the current Indonesian team is much stronger than when it defeated Japan 3-1 in the 2023 Asian Cup.

“The Indonesian national team today is different than before, much stronger. We will play at home, it will be a tough game. But tomorrow I will show my best game,” Endo said.

Endo also praised the enthusiasm of Indonesians who he considered remarkable for football. Although it will be the opponent of its own national team, Indonesians welcome the players of the Japanese national team very well.

Regarding the Japanese defense sector, Endo admitted that he was good enough even though he conceded one goal against Australia. That became the only goal lodged in the Blue Samurai team after a four-match run in Group C.

“Japan's defence was fine, when our Australian opponents applied one on one, we also defended aggressively. It can be a disadvantage and an advantage. Later I will help the defender as well,” he said.

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