Indonesian National Futsal Team Defeats Japan 1-0

KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesian national futsal team defeated Japan in the first match of the 4Nations World Series 2025 with a thrilling 1-0 victory.

Samuel Eko's sole goal secured the victory for the Garuda Team against the Blue Samurai squad at the Jakarta International Velodrome on Thursday, January 30, 2025, evening local time, rri.co.id reported.

Japan immediately launched intense attacks on the Indonesian team's goal since the beginning of the match. immediately intensified their attacks on the Indonesian Futsal National Team's goal from the start of the match. Fortunately, Muhammad Albagir performed brilliantly and continued to make important saves.

In the 10th minute of the first half, a dangerous threat arose for the Garuda squad when Nakamura Mitsuru attempted a powerful shot. Fortunately, Albagir skillfully deflected the ball.

In the 11th minute, Muhammad Syaifullah had a golden opportunity. After receiving a good pass from Yogi Saputra, he unleashed a powerful shot towards the Japan's goal, but the ball was expertly cleared by the Japanese goalkeeper.

The remainder of the half saw a flurry of attacks from both sides, but neither team could find the back of the net. The first half ended scoreless at 0-0.

The second half had barely begun when Albagir was forced to make another crucial save against Nakamura's move. Japan, ranked 10th in the world, continued to pressure the Indonesian defense.

However, it was Indonesia who broke through with 11 minutes and 38 seconds remaining. Samuel Eko's shot from the edge of the circle beat goalkeeper Fiuza, giving Indonesia a 1-0 lead.

Following the change in score, both Indonesia and Japan continued to seek scoring opportunities. Evan Soumilena then unleashed a swift right-footed shot that was directed straight at Fabio.

In the final minutes, Japan employed a power play, but their efforts failed to yield a goal. Indonesia maintained their lead until the referee blew the final whistle.

This victory is a historic achievement for the Indonesian National Futsal Team. For the first time in history, Indonesia defeated Japan.

Line-up:

Indonesia: Muhammad Albagir; Firman Andriansyah, Israr Megantara, Mochammad Iqbal Iskandar, M Rizki Xavier.

Japan: Fiuza Fabio; Yuki Arikawa, Atsuya Uemura, Shunta Uchimura, Mitsuru Nakamura. ***