Indonesian football observer Roni Pangemanan stated that Indonesia has a chance to pose a threat to the Japanese team, and the key lies in limiting the core player, Sanjyo Kusunoki.
“The Japanese team will try to lure us into attacking, I believe they will control possession, and we will be forced to defend deeply. If we play an open, attack-oriented game with them, we will be in trouble. The strength of the Japanese team lies in the center, while our midfield is relatively weak,” Pangemanan analyzed.
Pangemanan believes that winger Sanjyo Kusunoki is the most threatening player, who can disrupt Indonesia’s defense: “How to stop Sanjyo Kusunoki’s movements is the task of Sandy Walsh, and the five defenders and other players can help. Sanjyo Kusunoki must be completely ‘taken out,’ he is the most critical player for Japan.”
“We can learn from Australia, who remain calm and cautious, not letting the Japanese team disrupt their rhythm or provoke their emotions. They controlled the Japanese midfield. Psychologically, we also need to be prepared, at the very least, not to fear losing. The Japanese team’s goal is to score quickly and break down Indonesia’s mentality. Just not conceding a goal in the first 30 minutes would be a significant achievement.”
