When the Japan national team selected its second-string players, Indonesia became indignant.
The Japan Football Association announced on the 23rd the roster of 27 players who will compete in the third round of World Cup qualifying against Australia and Indonesia. Japan is in a comfortable position as it secured its spot in the North and Central America World Cup finals the fastest in the world.
As the leader of Group C, Japan (6 wins, 2 draws, 20 points) has already obtained a direct ticket to the finals, awarded to the second-placed team in the group. Japan plans to use newcomers in the remaining matches to aim for a new balance between youth and experience.
Japan excluded 14 key foreign players, including Kaoru Mitoma, Ritsu Doan, and Junya Ito. Instead, they selected promising players such as 2006-born Ryunosuke Sato. Ace Takefusa Kubo was included.
Japan will play an away match against Australia in Perth on June 5, then take on Indonesia in the final match of the third round of World Cup qualifying in Suita, Japan, on the 10th.
Indonesia, which appointed Patrick Kluivert as coach after abruptly dismissing Shin Tae-yong, expressed its indignation, stating that Japan would not send its first-string players to their match.
Indonesia's 'TV1 Network' stated, "The Japan national team has selected its second-string players. Coach Moriyasu is underestimating the Indonesia national team. Japan is looking down on us, thinking even their second-string can defeat Indonesia. Not selecting the top players like Mitoma is evidence of that," which reflected their strong anger.
From Japan's perspective, there is no reason to strain themselves by using all their foreign players since they have already secured their place in the World Cup finals. Moreover, it seems that even with their second-string players, Japan will easily defeat Indonesia.
Indonesia should actually be grateful if Japan uses its second-string players. However, this does not mean that Indonesia has a high probability of winning.
[OSEN]