Indonesia vs Japan national team, Garuda and Samurai Blue have different paths to the 2026 World Cup

Currently, Japan has become a major Asian power. The training carried out three decades ago has made their talents shine in various European clubs which have become the mecca of world football.

On the other hand, Indonesia changed tactics in order to penetrate the global stage, namely naturalizing players. After doubts about its effectiveness, the latest step is to identify players with Red and White blood who are spread across various corners of the earth at various age levels.

Names such as Jay Idzes, Maarten Paes, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Thom Haye, and most recently Kevin Diks were found. This policy is implemented at various ages, so the impact will be felt in the future and is not just a short-term solution.

Not only that, the presence of the diaspora can also have an influence other than results in the field. It is hoped that the achievements of Idzes and his friends will inspire new local generations to try out football as a career choice. The increase in resources clearly increases Indonesia’s chances of getting quality players, while of course improving early childhood development.

Amazingly, the results of this policy were visible in a short time. Four levels of national teams (senior, U-23, U-20, U-17) qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in history.

“We want to focus all the best Indonesian talent abroad to strengthen the national team. “The choice is those who have Indonesian blood,” said PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir.

“This is part of the commitment that national team development is not seen from the short term, but the medium and long term, and we have prepared the talent,” he said.

The Indonesian national team appeared at SUGBK tonight carrying the dream of reaching the same level as Japan. Regardless of the outcome of the match, Indonesia seems to be on the right path to realizing its ambitions.