Indonesia's Herdman wary of Mozambique's speed, targets second FIFA Matchday win

Indonesia's national football team is determined to secure a perfect finish to their June FIFA Matchday series by defeating Mozambique on June 9, 2026, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. Following a decisive 3-0 victory over Oman, the Garuda squad is aiming for a second consecutive win as part of their preparation for the Asian Cup.

Coach John Herdman emphasized that the win against Oman provides valuable momentum but cautioned against complacency. He stated that the team has evaluated and identified areas for improvement before facing Mozambique. "Our mission for this match is to get two consecutive wins and continue that winning streak," Herdman said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.

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Our mission for this match is to get two consecutive wins and continue that winning streak.

Herdman noted that the match against Oman offered significant lessons. The coaching staff has meticulously reviewed game details, highlighting both successful aspects and areas needing refinement. "We celebrate the things we did well. We hope to bring that into tomorrow's game," he added.

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We celebrate the things we did well. We hope to bring that into tomorrow's game.

However, the English coach anticipates Mozambique will present a distinct challenge compared to Oman. He described the African team as having a specific playing style characterized by high speed and rapid attacking transitions. Herdman observed Mozambique's performance in a friendly against Oman on Sunday, where they lost 1-4, identifying their main threats as direct attacks and quick counter-attacks. "They are an African nation. They have a very specific style of play: transitional, high speed. So we have to be ready for what's coming," he stated.

The upcoming match will be a critical test for Indonesia's strategy, which often involves a high defensive line and numerous players in attacking positions. This approach can leave space for opponents, making the game against Mozambique essential for finding the right balance between offensive aggression and defensive solidity.

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They are an African nation. They have a very specific style of play: transitional, high speed. So we have to be ready for what's coming.