Calvin Verdonk and Koki Ogawa, from Teammates to Rivals in the Indonesia vs Japan National Team Match

Kapanlagi.com - The thrilling match between the Indonesia national team and Japan in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers is approaching and becoming a hot topic among football fans! The match is scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Friday, November 15, 2024, and is sure to deliver exciting action.

One of the most anticipated moments is the intriguing duel between Calvin Verdonk and Koki Ogawa. Although they will face each other as rivals on the field, they also share a special bond as teammates at NEC Nijmegen. After two seasons fighting together in the Eredivisie, Calvin and Koki have built a close relationship, making this match even more interesting.

Calvin Verdonk even revealed that they joked around before this big match. However, behind the friendship that has developed, both are committed to giving their best performance to represent their respective countries. Who will emerge victorious in this battle? Watch their thrilling action at SUGBK.

1. Indonesia vs Japan Match: Meeting of Two Teammates at NEC Nijmegen

The fifth match of Group C in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone will be an exciting stage for the Indonesian National Team and Japan, especially for Calvin Verdonk and Koki Ogawa, who are teammates at NEC Nijmegen.

Calvin, who joined the club earlier, now shares the field with Koki, who just joined at the beginning of the 2023/2024 season.

Their friendship is not only established on the field but also off the field, where they often spend time together and create sweet memories that will add flavor to the rivalry in this thrilling match.

2. Conversations and Jokes Ahead of the Match

As the exciting match approaches, Verdonk shares an interesting story about his conversation with Ogawa, whom he considers a potential main striker for Japan, ready to fill in for the injured Ayase Ueda.

With an outstanding performance in the Eredivisie, where he has scored five goals this season, Ogawa is not only focused on his team but also takes time to share his views on the Indonesian National Team, adding to the increasingly heated rivalry.

3. The Sharpness of Koki Ogawa, A Threat to Indonesia's Defense

Although not the first choice in Japan's front line, the absence of Ayase Ueda gives Ogawa a golden opportunity to start. Verdonk cannot ignore the dangerous potential that Ogawa possesses, especially after his impressive performances with NEC.

With a tally of five goals from 11 matches this season, Ogawa is now the top scorer for his team. This statistic clearly shows that he could pose a serious threat to Indonesia's defense in the upcoming match.

4. Exchanging Compliments, But Ready to Fight on the Field

The friendship between Verdonk and Ogawa does not diminish their enthusiasm and seriousness in preparing for the thrilling match ahead. Verdonk enthusiastically expressed that he has gained a lot of insights about Japanese players thanks to information from Ogawa.

Meanwhile, Ogawa is also eager to share knowledge about Verdonk if Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu needs it.

"As friends, I understand his playing style. We often share a dining table, and now we will meet on the field—this is a rare opportunity to compete against a close friend," Ogawa told Hochi News.

5. Exciting Match at Gelora Bung Karno

The match held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium is predicted to spark an extraordinary spirit among football fans in the country. Japan, currently at the top of Group C standings with a collection of ten points, will be a very challenging opponent for Indonesia.

A victory in this duel will not only open up opportunities for both teams to advance further in the World Cup qualifying round, but it will also be an important moment for Calvin Verdonk and Koki Ogawa, who realize that this match is more than just a friendly—it's about the pride and achievement of their national team.

(kpl/rmt)