REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia goalkeeper Maarten Paes admitted that the outstanding performance of the unbeaten team in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone was not separated from the solidity of the defensive line. The solidity of that defence is because the players in the back line enjoy so much when carrying out their duties on the pitch.

The three-match unbeaten run came after three draws against Saudi Arabia (1-1), Australia (0-0), and Bahrain (2-2).

“Every successful team has a solid defense that is very good. I think the good thing about us so far is that we really enjoyed defending,” Paes said at a press conference against China on Monday (14/10/2024).

The FC Dallas goalkeeper said the players in Tim Garuda's backline are working together and supporting each other. Paes said he and his colleagues encouraged each other every action to prevent conceding between them, such as when releasing tackles, block kicks, to saves. Of his three matches in the third round, Paes had already made 12 saves with one of them holding a penalty.

“We encourage in a positive way, we support each other. It was very special. Mees made a beautiful block at the end of the game (against Bahrain), I cheered him on, then he came to me after making a save. We went for one common goal, fighting Garuda. I think it's been a special connection,” Paes said.

Paes wanted to continue his impressive performance in the match and end it with a win. He wanted to make up for the disappointment of failing to win by being caught off guard in the final seconds of the game.

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