AFC Asian Cup 2027: Drawn into the Group of Death alongside Japan and Qatar, John Herdman remains confident.

Great optimism is now being cultivated by Indonesia National Team head coach John Herdman ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Even though the Red and White squad have been drawn into Group D alongside Japan, Qatar and Thailand, a bracket widely labelled the "group of death", Herdman has approached this situation with full optimism.

The English coach views the group stage draw as an opportunity for Indonesia to prove its standard at continental level. With his side entering the tournament as clear underdogs, Herdman believes all the pressure instead rests on the shoulders of their opponents.

"This draw gives us a very interesting opportunity. Everyone understands the dynamic here: we are the underdog, we have absolutely nothing to lose, only everything to gain," Herdman stated during an interview with Antara in Jakarta.

Herdman's confidence is not unfounded. He notes that leading Asian nations have now begun to regard the Garuda Squad as a dangerous opponent, following the consistent progress Indonesia has demonstrated over recent years.

The former Canada men's National Team Coach added that Indonesia's placement in Pot 4 makes them a particularly unwanted opponent for the seeded sides. He stated that Japan, Qatar and Thailand almost certainly did not want to be drawn against Indonesia in the group phase.

"For teams like Japan, Thailand and Qatar, they are the ones calling this the group of death. They never predicted they would face Indonesia. Believe me, when they were scanning that fourth pot, none of them wanted to pull our name out," he remarked.

Herdman remains convinced that Indonesia retains a strong realistic chance of advancing out of Group D. Every team, he explained, holds the opportunity to progress to the knockout rounds if they can deliver consistent performances throughout the tournament.

"We will fight through every obstacle, and push this squad as far as we possibly can. Hopefully we can reach stages that no Indonesia side has ever progressed to before in this competition," Herdman said.

To deliver on this ambitious target, Herdman emphasised that mental fortitude will be the core foundation that must be built from the very first preparation stages. He wants Indonesian players to carry courage and a never-surrender spirit when facing Asia's elite national teams.

According to Herdman, the extended pre-tournament training camp will be the critical period to forge a new identity for the Indonesia National Team. He wants the Garuda squad to grow comfortable competing without fear, even when going up against opponents with far greater international reputations.

"I value this extended training camp period where we have uninterrupted time together as a squad. This is where we will build that fighting mentality, that never give up spirit, and fully embrace the underdog role we carry into the tournament," Herdman explained.

Indonesia enter the 2027 Asian Cup with promising recent momentum. At the previous 2023 edition of the tournament, the Red and White made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the very first time. This achievement served as clear evidence that Indonesia's playing standard continues to rise across the Asian Football landscape.

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, running from 7 January to 5 February next year. Indonesia's Group D campaign will open with a difficult opening fixture against Japan on 11 January.