Japan’s shock 2-1 loss to Iraq on Matchday Two means they have work to do if a fifth AFC Asian Cup title is to be won while Indonesia revived their knockout stage hopes with a 1-0 win over Vietnam.
Impressive record
Japan may be meeting Indonesia in the AFC Asian Cup for the first time but they will count on their impeccable record of not having lost to new opponents in nine previous meetings ((W7 D2) to take the three points.
Good run
Indonesia have found the back of the net in each of their last two AFC Asian Cup matches; a goal against Japan will give them their joint longest goal scoring run in competition history.
Uncompromising
Indonesia have conceded 37 fouls in the ongoing edition of the AFC Asian Cup, the highest of all teams in Group D and 10 more than Japan (27); in fact, Vietnam (15) and Iraq (15) put together have conceded seven fouls less than Indonesia.
In form
Takumi Minamino has made three goal contributions (2 goals, 1 assist) in Qatar 2023; he is two away from becoming the joint highest goal contributor for Japan in a single edition of the competition (Yuya Osako in 2019; Naohiro Takahara in 2007 – 5 each) since 2007.
BY NADEEM FAISAL BAIGA
