Team Indonesia had to go the extra mile to book its semifinal spot in the 2019 Sudirman Cup mixed team tournament, as it survived the Taiwan scare to eventually own a 3-2 victory in Friday’s quarterfinals.

In Saturday’s semis, Indonesia will have to brave Japan, which on paper holds a better chance of reaching the finals for having shuttlers in the top-three world rankings in all categories. Japan thrashed Malaysia 3-0 in the quarters.

Despite looking at a tough opponent, as Japan’s players are also known for good endurance, Indonesian team manager Susy Susanti motivated her players to fight them without fear.

“We really want [to win], so we have told our shuttlers to fight all the way. Stay focused to win point by point. They should not be bothered by what [their odds look like] on paper. Anything can happen on the court. A fighting spirit is all we need,” Susy said in a statement.

The last time Indonesia made it to the semifinals was in 2015, when China crushed Indonesia’s dream of reaching the final.

Susy went on to say that she needed all the teammates to support each other throughout the tournament.

“I’ve told the whole team that all we need is to stay solid. Those who don’t play can cheer on their teammates who are fighting on the court,” said Susy, who played a pivotal role in Indonesia winning the Sudirman Cup in Jakarta in 1989.

The Olympic gold medalist said the support of the team for Praveen Jordan and Melati Daeva Oktavianti, who played the decisive match in Friday’s quarterfinals, had somehow helped the mixed-doubles pair win the battle that sent Indonesia to the next round.

In the meantime, badminton observer Broto Happy said Japan was backed by a squad of balanced power, as its players’ strength and skills were almost equally polished in all five categories: men’s and women’s singles as well as men’s, women’s and mixed doubles.

“Our trump card is only in the men’s doubles. If we could steal one point from a singles match, we have a bigger chance [to reach the final]. All players need to work really hard,” said Broto, adding that world number one Kento Momota would be the main obstacle for Indonesia in men’s singles.

In the other semifinal encounter, China will take on Thailand, which stunned four-time winner South Korea 3-1 in the quarters.

The Indonesian doubles teams, winning all three matches, secured Indonesia’s victory on Friday.

Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in the men’s doubles built a good foundation with a 21-17, 21-17 win against Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin.

Kevin and Marcus showed their class as the world number one pair for being able to come back when they were behind 6-9 in the first game. The second game was more business as usual for the pair, nicknamed the “Minions” by their fans.

Kevin lauded his opponents’ defense as the Taiwanese pair often managed to return their attacks.

“We have learned from the previous match that we can’t be hasty in attacking the opponents. We have to stay focused and be more patient,” he said. “We are very happy to have won the first point for Indonesia, since this is important. We want the team to advance to the next round.”

Unfortunately, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the women’s singles and Jonatan Christie in the men’s singles failed to follow Marcus and Kevin’s success. Gregoria lost 21-16, 21-14 to Tai Tzu Ying, while Jonatan was defeated 21-11, 21-13 by Chou Tien Chen.

Women’s doubles pair Greysia Polii and Apriani Rahayu saved Indonesia from losing as they proved too strong for Pai Yu Po and Wu Ti Jung. The world number five pair won the match 21-13, 21-7.

Indonesia’s aspiration for the semifinals was perfected by Praveen and Melati, who crushed Wang Chi-Lin and Hsieh Pei Shan 21-17, 21-15.

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