Against Indonesia, the Japanese coach does not want to change player material

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed that he wouldn’t change the player’s equipment in the third round 2026 World Cup Qualifier including facing Indonesia.

Japan’s winning streak in Group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers finally came to an end after a 1-1 draw against Australia at Saitama Stadium, on Tuesday (15/10).

Not only did they earn a draw for the first time, but Japan conceded for the first time in Group C.

Before being held 1-1 by Australia, Japan could not celebrate more goals when they only won 2-0 against Saudi Arabia. Before that, Japan won 7-0 over China and 5-0 over Bahrain.

After just playing a draw, Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu began to have doubts among the fans.

“Doubts hover over Japan’s National Football Team,” wrote Japanese media, Goo news.

Despite his doubts, Moriyasu emphasized that he wouldn’t change the existing player material.

“Looking at the position of the players it is probably right to make a large number of changes to players, but will it increase the chances of winning from zero? ” Moriyasu asked.

“About the last round [round 3] “I try to keep the players as unchanged as possible and try to collect notes that I learn from previous games and apply them in the next game,” said Moriyasu.

According to him, the change of player material must be careful because the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier is very crucial.

“The reason we didn’t make as many player changes in the last qualifying round is to reduce the number of things that need to be checked after new players come in. let’s do this carefully,” said Moriyasu.

In the next match, Japan will visit the headquarters of the Indonesian National Team at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, on November 15.

[Gambas:Video CNN]

(rhr/jal)