Japan VS Indonesia: Takefusa Kubo Completes Japan’s Second Goal

Japan played aggressively from the very first minute in their final Group C match of the 2026 Asian World Cup Qualifiers against Indonesia at Suita City Football Stadium, Osaka. The relentless pressure from the Samurai Blue finally paid off in the 19th minute of the first half. Takefusa Kubo, Japan’s talented young winger, managed to get his name on the scoresheet after exploiting a gap in Indonesia’s defense.

Kubo’s goal was executed with remarkable calmness and precision. He received a well-timed pass inside the penalty box and fired a well-placed shot that Indonesian goalkeeper Emil Audero could not stop. The ball glided smoothly into the corner of the net, sending the home supporters into celebration. This goal extended Japan’s lead to 2-0 over Indonesia in the first half, further emphasizing the hosts’ dominance from the start of the match.

Kubo’s success in breaking through Indonesia’s defense was the result of Japan’s pressing strategy from the opening minute. Kubo himself had previously stressed the importance of an early goal to control the match, and he proved his ambition with this beautiful finish. The goal became a crucial moment for Japan to keep pressing and maintain their advantage until halftime.