“I'm happy that we're top of the group but we haven't gained anything yet,” said Moriyasu, whose side extended their lead over Australia, Saudi Arabia and China PR. “Until we manage to secure the World Cup place we just have to keep on winning.

“I have set a very high standard for the team, and that is to become world champions but to do this we have to play each game one-by-one, step-by-step and I'd like to focus on the next game.”

The Japanese went into Friday’s meeting with Shin Tae-yong’s side having drawn their most recent qualifier against Australia and Moriyasu’s side made a nervous start to the game in front of a vociferous and boisterous sell-out crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

An own goal from Justin Hubner put Japan in front in the 35th minute and Takumi Minamino doubled the lead five minutes later to steady the visitors before goals from Hidemasa Morita and Yukinari Sugawara sealed the points in the second half.

“I told the players not to let Indonesia come at us from the beginning, and we dealt with that pressure well although we had some scary moments,” Moriyasu said after seeing his side weather an early blitz from the home side to take the win.

“But after coping with those moments we played well and we upped a gear when it mattered. The players managed to do this by themselves on the pitch, so I was happy with that.

“Before the game we had training sessions and some meetings but, even after doing this, it depends on the players on the pitch at the end of the day and I think the players did well among themselves, even when I couldn't give them instructions.”

While the win allowed Japan to increase their lead at the summit, Indonesia remain bottom of the six-team group on three points but Shin remains confident his side are in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The top two finishers in each of Asia’s three groups progress automatically for the Finals while the sides finishing in third and fourth place will advance to a further round to compete for the two remaining guaranteed spots plus a berth in an intercontinental playoff.

“I still want to play these third round matches without any regrets and I hope we are still able to get third or fourth in the table,” said the former Korea Republic head coach. “I can't guarantee that we will, but I still want to challenge.

“As a manager it's unavoidable to have some pressure and I need to embrace that. I want to see the players working as one team and still challenging for the playoff round.”