REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo is grateful that the Indonesian national team got a point after a goalless draw against Australia in the second match of Group C of the Third Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Asia Zone. The Socceroos were unable to hit Indonesia's goal guarded by Maarten Paes at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (10/9/2024) night.
“We are grateful, thank God we have one more point. After yesterday with Saudi Arabia we got one point, this with Australia got one more point,” President Jokowi told the press after watching the Indonesia vs Australia match.
Jokowi appreciated the hard work of the Indonesian players in the match so as to hold Australia to a draw which is ranked well above Indonesia in the world rankings. Australia ranks 24th in FIFA, while Indonesia ranks 131st.
In particular, Jokowi also appreciated the performances of Maarten Paes who several times managed to break chances from Australia.