Indonesia vs Japan Prediction & Betting Tips (15 November)

1/8th finalist in the last Asian Cup for the first time in its history, Indonesia would undoubtedly like to confirm its progress on the intercontinental scene by qualifying for its first World Cup. The task will not be easy for Tim Garuda who only took 3 points after 4 days and who is only in 5th position in this qualifying group. Held in check in their first 3 matches by Saudi Arabia 1-1, Australia 0-0, and Bahrain 2-2, the Red and Whites had a very bad operation last month by losing on the ground of China 2-1 which is however far from being a leader in Asia. Japan, for its part, is a big regular at the final stages of the World Cup and is aiming for an 8th consecutive participation in 2006.

The Samuraïs Bleus are also on very good track to try to achieve this since they are at the top of their group with 10 points on the clock, 5 more than their first pursuer. Rémois partners Junya Ito were ruthless to start against China 7-0, Bahrain 0-5 and Saudi Arabia 0-2 but they ended up losing their first points on the last day against Australia 1 -1.

Several Indonesian players came to try their luck in Europe, such as defenders Hubner (Wolverhampton), Walsh (Mechelen), Pattynama (Eupen), Idzes (Venice) and Verdonk (NEC Nijmegen), midfielders Jenner (Utrecht), Tjoe -A-On (Swansea) and Haye (Almere City) and striker Oratmangoen (Dender). That said, the most effective players in this selection play in the domestic championship. These are midfielders Sulaeman (9 goals in 48 games) and Vikri (9 goals in 31 games). Opposite, the Japanese squad is enough to make you pale.

Indeed, many players called up wear the colors of major European clubs like defenders Itakura (Glabdach), Machida (Union Saint-Gilloise) and Sugawara (Southampton), midfielders Endo (Liverpool), Doan (Fribourg), Morita (Sporting), Kamada (Crystal Palace), Tanaka (Leeds) and Mitomo (Leeds) or attackers Furuashi (Celtic, 5 goals in 21 sel) and Maeda (4 goals in 20 sel). We also find in this formation the hopeful Kubo (Real Sociedad, 39 sel, 5 bits) and the residents of Ligue 1 who are the Reims Nakamura (13 sel, 8 goals) and Ito (58 sel, 14 goals) and the Monegasque Minamino (63 caps, 23 goals). Also watch out for the formidable Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen) who has scored 7 times in as many selections.