JAPAN PASS TOUGH TEST

They battle through difficult conditions to thrash Indonesia; thankful Son hits 50 goals

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JAKARTA - Japan hammered a hapless Indonesia side 4-0 on Nov 15, extending their lead at the top of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and edging them closer to an eighth consecutive Finals spot.

Despite several early scares in front of more than 70,000 fans in Jakarta, the Samurai Blue eventually carved open a home team filled with European-born players before teaching them a footballing lesson.

"I'm really happy. It was a really tough environment in a game away from home," said Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu.

"But I think the fact that so many Japanese supporters came to the stadium and so many Japanese people and supporters (back home) sent their thoughts... these helped the players to endure and battle.

"I think Indonesia had one or two big chances, but I think we persevered through difficult situations to our victory."

The first goal came when Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada cut past a defender in the 35th minute and squared the ball across goal, with Indonesia's Justin Hubner being credited with an own goal as he tried to stop striker Koki Ogawa.