Maarten Paes: We Have A Special Connection In The Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team is the dark horse in Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

Shin Tae-yong's troops are unbeaten in the three matches that have been played. In the first two parties, the Garuda Squad troubled a giant team like Saudi Arabia and Australia. The two World Cup subscription teams were held in a draw.

Indonesia has so far packed three points from three draws and scored three goals and conceded three goals.

According to one of the Indonesian national team players, Maarten Paes, said the team's slick appearance could not be separated from the solid defense that had been built.

The goalkeeper admitted that the Garuda Squad's defense had a good connection.

Paes felt helped by whoever was standing in front of him, whether it was Jay Idzes, Rizky Ridho, Jordi Amat, Justin Hubner, Asnawi Mangkualam, Pratama Arhan, Calvin Verdok, Sandy Walsh, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, or the new player Mees Hilgers.

"The good thing in our team is that we enjoy being teammates. We celebrate and encourage each other."

"It was the most special thing when we did the block on the pitch because we were connected. We have a special relationship as teammates," said Paes.

"After I made the rescue, I got the support and encouragement of my teammates."

"We encourage each other in a very positive way and encourage each other," Paes said at a press conference on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Maarten Paes further admitted that chemistry with other players had been established when he first defended the Indonesian national team.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper made his debut with the Garuda Squad against Saudi Arabia in the first match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round.

His debut went well because Paes managed to thwart Saudi Arabia's penalty kick, causing the Garuda squad to take home a point.

At that time, Paes already felt that extraordinary support had flowed to him even though it was the first time he had defended the Indonesian national team.

Now, the connection between players in the Indonesian national team is getting closer. Moreover, they now have the same goal.

"I recently joined the Indonesian national team, as did my new team-mates."

"However, over time, we were able to be closer, build closer relationships, and perform well," said Paes.

"I think it's very special, making a good block at the end of the game (the penalty against Saudi Arabia) and celebrating it."

"They came to me after the rescue. It formed a special connection."

"We have the same goal, namely fighting for Indonesia. We have a good cooperative relationship," said Paes again.

The Indonesian national team will face China in the fourth match of Group C of the Third Round of Qualification for the 2026 World Cup at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.

The Garuda squad is in high motivation to achieve its first win in Group C.