Maarten Paes: The Key To The Success Of The Indonesian National Team Unbeaten Is Solid Defense

Maarten Paes has started to solidize with the Indonesian national team defense (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will play an away match to China in the fourth match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

The match will take place at the Qingdao Youth Football Stadium on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 19.00 WIB.

The Garuda squad visited with better provisions than the host's. Shin Tae-yong's team have packed three points from the previous three matches.

While China is at the bottom of the standings or fifth place in Group C without points. They are just below Indonesia.

This means that Indonesia is so far unbeaten. However, the two series results in the first two parties were a success in itself because they fought a giant team like Saudi Arabia and Australia.

One of the Garuda squad players who made a slick team appearance was Maarten Paes.

Paes is so solid under the bar with good cooperation with back players, such as Jay Idzes, Rizky Ridho, and several other names.

The Dallas FC goalkeeper admits that the toughness of the Indonesian national team has not been defeated so far because of the solid defense.

"Right now we are unbeaten, especially because of a good defense. It is very necessary for a successful team anywhere."

"We are lucky to have good defense strength. The players work together, intercept each other, pass each other, and support each other," said Paes.

"In my opinion, the coach has told us how to defend. That's the most important thing to make us solid," said the goalkeeper again.

Maarten Paes further emphasized that the slick performance in the defense sector must be maintained.

So far, he admits that chemistry with other players, especially the defense, has been going well.

"I think the good thing about us is that we really enjoy defensive work. We cheer when we do tackles, blocks, rescues," said Paes.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian national team came to China with high motivation to win their first victory in the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Earlier when they met Bahrain, the Garuda Squad almost recorded three points. However, Bahrain scored a controversial second goal to equalize in the 90+9 minute.