Jakarta, IO – One of the Indonesia national football team players, Justin Hubner, stated his readiness to face Japan in the third match of Group D on Wednesday (24/1) at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha.
Justin said all the players took the match seriously. Even though on paper Japan is more superior, Justin said the Indonesian players will not be intimidated. “We will train hard and make sure that we are ready to face them,” said Justin.
The Garuda squad will focus on its strength and hope to secure a place in the round of 16 before competing against Japan.
This scenario could happen if the match between Syria and India and Palestine and Hong Kong tonight ends with a draw. This is because the third ranked team from Group A, China, only collected a total of two points, which means it is impossible to finish above Indonesia (three points).
“We have to get a good result against Japan,” he added. “Of course, we set our sight on qualifying for the next round. We’ll see what will happen,” said the Wolverhampton Wanderers U-21 player.
Justin does not deny the fact that the Blue Samurai team has many world-class players. Some of them play in the Premier League, a football competition that is often regarded as the best, such as Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Takehiru Tomiyasu (Arsenal).
“We watched their match last week. They are a strong team, consisting of world class players. Many of them play in the English Premier League. This will definitely be a difficult match,” acknowledged Justin.
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However, Justin believes in the quality that Indonesia has. The Garuda squad is strengthened by potential players who also play in Europe, such as Justin himself, Elkan Baggott (Ipswich Town), Ivar Jenner (Jong Utrecht) and Marselino Ferdinan (KMSK Deinze). There is also Jordi Amat (Espanyol, Rayo Vallecano, Real Betis, Swansea City and KAS Eupen).
“We also have strong players, so we will do whatever it takes for Indonesia and hopefully it will end well,” said Justin. (rr)