REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian national team held Australia to a 0-0 draw despite being mixed throughout the match. Australia failed to beat Indonesia goalkeeper Maarten Paes in the second match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 Asian Zone World Cup Qualifier which took place at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (10/9/2024) night.

Indonesia national coach Shin Tae-yong said he was satisfied with the 0-0 draw against Australia. Moreover, earlier Indonesia could also hold Saudi Arabia to a 1-1 draw.

“Like previous predictions the game is very difficult for us because we are under constant attack. But the players have worked hard to get a draw,” Shin said after the match.

Shin thanked his players. According to him, the Indonesian national team continues to develop better. He assures that this development will be visible in the future.

Regarding the run of the match, Shin said Australia were better than Indonesia in terms of their physicality and stamina. “Inevitably we have to defend first, then launch a counterattack,” Shin said.

Shin is grateful to have won two points from two early matches. Because, figures are obtained from strong teams like Saudi Arabia and Australia. Both are World Cup subscriptions.

For the next matches against Bahrain and China in October, Shin Tae-yong admitted he had no time. “It's a very short time to prepare. For tactics and strategies we will see later,” he said.

Shin praised the brilliant performance of Maarten Paes who made a number of saves so that the Indonesian goal was not missed. Paes was named the best player of the match. Earlier in Saudi Arabia, he was also voted man of the match.

“Maarten Paes is developing very well, as the last player leading the team very well. It will definitely continue to grow,” Shin said.

Shin also explained a number of player substitutions he made in the second half. Pratama Arhan was put in to strengthen the counter-attack and capitalise on the long throw. Wahyu Prasetyo came in to replace the injured Sandy Walsh. “Revelations of more enduring players,” he said.

Rafael Struick was withdrawn after suffering an injury against Saudi Arabia. The coaching team briefly needed time to decide whether to play it against Australia. However due to his poor condition, he was eventually replaced by Witan Sulaeman at the

start of the second half.

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