AFC Asian Cup 2023: Japan vs Indonesia: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

A win will confirm a direct entry into the AFC Asian Cup knockout stages for either side.

Japan football team were given a wake-up call by Iraq as the latter caused a major upset courtesy of a 2-1 win over the tournament favourites in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Now, the Samurai Blue plays Indonesia in their final group fixture on 24 January 2024 at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar, looking to secure a win and get their act together.

An absence of focus in defense, which is uncharacteristic of Japan’s gameplay, was their undoing against a spirited Iraqi side. Indonesia must have looked at that fixture and strategised to take advantage of Japan’s weaknesses, particularly their defending on crosses.

With Iraq already in the next round and Vietnam out of contention, whichever team wins the upcoming contest, will ensure their berth in the Round of 16 by securing the second automatic qualification spot from the group. Here is a look at what to expect from the high-stakes contest:

Kick Off

Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 5:00 PM IST at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Al-Thumama, Qatar.

Form

Japan (all competitions): W-W-W-W-L

Indonesia (all competitions): L-L-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Junya Ito (Japan)

Junya Ito was one of the few attackers in the Japanese lineup who could hold his head high from the loss to Iraq. The winger made five crosses and finished the game with 88% passing accuracy. With the Samurai Blue set to dominate possession against a lowly Indonesian side, eyes and expectations will be on Ito to create and finish scoring chances for the side.

Justin Hubner (Indonesia)

Indonesia must be defensively solid to have any chance of a win against Japan. As the Samurai Blue will be wounded and raring to make a statement, Indonesia could find itself in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, considering Hubner’s performance against Vietnam where the Red and Whites kept a clean sheet, he will be crucial in keeping Japan’s forwards at bay. 

Match Facts

• The loss against Iraq was Japan’s first in 12 matches.
• Indonesia has won only one of their last seven matches.
• Indonesia has defeated Japan on six occasions previously.

Head to Head

Total Matches Played – 18

Japan wins – 10

Indonesia wins – 6

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup

Japan (4-2-3-1)

Suzuki (GK), Hiroki Ito, Tomiyasu, Itakura, Sugawara, Endo, Hatate, Junya Ito, Kubo, Minamino, Ueda.

Indonesia (5-4-1)

Ari (GK), Mangkualam, Walsh, Hubner, Rifai, Ramadhani, Sayuri, Jenner, Ferdinan, Sulaeman, Struick

Prediction for Japan vs Indonesia

Japan is hurt after losing embarrassingly to Iraq. They will be motivated to make a statement by winning against Indonesia and qualifying for the knockouts. There is little hope for Indonesia from the upcoming match.

Prediction: Japan 4-0 Indonesia

Telecast for Japan vs Indonesia

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

Hong Kong, China – Hoy TV

Kyrgyz Republic – YTPK

Saudi Arabia – Shahid

United Arab Emirates – ADTV

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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