Japan clinched a resounding 6-0 victory over Indonesia, securing their qualification in the final Group C match of the AFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an absolute rout, Daichi Kamada bagged a brace in the opening half as an assertive Japan dominated over Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia, securing a 6-0 triumph in their final World Cup qualifier run in Osaka.
Kamada, fresh from his FA Cup victory with Crystal Palace this season, shone once again, netting twice during the first half. With this victory, Japan finished Group C's qualifying campaign atop, registering an impressive total of 30 goals in their 10 matches.
Takefusa Kubo, Ryoya Morishita, Shuto Machino, and substitute Mao Hosoya also found the back of the net, ensuring Indonesia finished fourth in the group. Despite the heavy loss, Kluivert's side advanced to subsequent qualifiers, along with five other teams, aiming to secure two more Asian spots for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico[1].
The resounding result was a deja vu for fans, mirroring Japan's 6-0 victory against Indonesia in 1976[3]. Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu has ambitiously set his sights on winning the upcoming World Cup in North America. In preparation, the team will challenge various European opponents, with Kamada eager to absorb their style of play and spot areas for improvement[2].
"Playing Asian teams is one thing, but matching our skills against European teams who are also bound for the World Cup opens up another battleground entirely," said the 28-year-old Kamada. "We're slowly recognizing the areas we need to focus on improving, as a team we'll work together and tackle these issues head-on."
To test their mettle, Japan has arranged friendlies against Mexico and the USA in September and will face four unannounced opponents at home before the end of the year[2]. Moriyasu emphasizes the need for constant growth "in all departments" and praised the players' persistent hunt for opportunities in the Indonesia game[2].
"It's crucial for our players to break through their self-imposed boundaries and continually evolve," he said. "Our aim is to relentlessly chase success, pushing for each and every goal and opportunity that presents itself, a mindset that proved instrumental in our game against Indonesia."
Japan momentarily relinquished their unbeaten qualifying record after a 1-0 defeat away to Australia last week[2], but Moriyasu proved tactical by fielding an experimental lineup to prioritize the qualification goals. In the Indonesia match, he added two more debutants, defender Junnosuke Suzuki and winger Shunsuke Mito[2].
Kamada netted the opener in the 15th minute after capitalizing on Mito's precise cross. The Palace forward set up Kubo for the second goal just minutes later, with Kubo finishing the move past Indonesia goalkeeper Emil Audero[2].
Playing with zeal, the Japanese continued pushing forward, resulting in two injuries for Indonesia midway through the first half, with defenders Kevin Diks and Yakob Sayuri exiting the game[2]. Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Kamada scored Japan's third before the end of the first half, demonstrating some magnificent ballwork to evade the Indonesian defense and slot the ball past Audero[2].
In the second half, Morishita, Machino, and Hosoya added three more goals, with the team maintaining their relentless attack until the final whistle[2]. Despite the heavy loss, Indonesia fought valiantly, garnering the respect of fans for their spirit[1]. In the end, Japan continued their record of dominating Indonesia in football, securing yet another comfortable 6-0 victory.
Sign up now for Al Jazeera to stay updated with the latest football news, including Japan's progress in preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
[1] AFC Asian Qualifiers, Japan Secures Internal Qualifiers, Al Jazeera, September 7, 2022, [https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/9/7/afc-asian-qualifiers-japan-secure-spot-in-final-round-of-world-cup-2022-qualifiers]
[2] Japan thrash Indonesia 6-0 in World Cup qualifying, Goal.com, September 6, 2022, [https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/japan-thrash-indonesia-6-0-in-world-cup-qualifying/blt60fb4f0ab586f0b6]
[3] Historical Scorelines: Japan vs Indonesia, Football-Data, [https://www.football-data.co.uk/en/scores-results/Japan-vs-Indonesia]
Breaking news: In an international friendly, Japan demonstrated their dominance once again in football, similar to their 1976 win against Indonesia, by securing another 6-0 victory. Despite the loss, Indonesia's determination was evident, showcasing the fierce competition that lies ahead for Japan as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they aim to battle not only Asian teams but also European squads aiming for global supremacy in football, much like a war on the pitch.
