Jakarta. The Indonesian national football team played to a goalless draw (0-0) against Australia in the third round of Group C 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

With this result, the Garuda Squad secured their second point in as many matches. Meanwhile, Australia managed to earn only one point after previously suffering a 0-1 loss to Bahrain.

The Socceroos, who played aggressively in the first half, slowed their tempo in the second. While they continued to attack, Indonesia countered effectively, with playmaker Calvin Verdonk creating several chances.

‘Please Bless This Stadium’: Pope Francis’ Visit Inspires Hope for World Cup Qualifier

Indonesia's goalkeeper, Maarten Paes, was the star of the night, delivering an outstanding performance by stopping several dangerous attacks from the Australian side. Paes, who plays for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS), made multiple key saves to keep the match scoreless. Australian forwards, including Nestory, Goodwin, and substitute Awer Mabil, tested Paes, but he remained unbeatable.

Australia registered 19 shots in total, with five on target, while Indonesia managed five shots, with only two on target against Australia’s captain and goalkeeper, Mathew Ryan.

The Garuda squad started the first half with an aggressive tempo after the whistle by Qatari referee Salman Ahmad Falahi. However, Indonesia’s early attacks failed to convert into goals. Australia then took control of the ball and launched several penetrating attacks into Indonesia's penalty area, forcing Paes to make three early saves.

One of the biggest chances came when Australian forward Nestory faced Paes one-on-one, but the ball flew over the crossbar.

Lineups:

Indonesia: Maarten Paes (GK), Calvin Verdonk, Jay Idzes (C), Rizky Ridho, Sandy Walsh, Marselino Ferdinan, Rafarel Struick, Ragnar Oratmangoen, Ivan Jenner, Nathan Tjoe A On, Justin Hubner.
Substitutes: Ernando Ari (GK), Wahyu Prasetyo, Witan Sulaeman, Egy Maulana Vikri, Pratama Arhan, Muhammad Ferarri, Asnawi Mangkualam, Ricky Kambuaya, Nadeo Arga, Hokky Caraka, Thom Haye, Shayne Pattynama.
Coach: Shin Tae-yong

Australia: Mathew Ryan (GK/C), Samuel Silvera, Alessandro Circati, Mitchell Duke, Aziz Behich, Keanu Baccus, Harry Souttar, Nestory Irankunda, Cameron Burgess, Jackson Irvine, Craig Goodwin.
Substitutes: Paul David (GK), Thomas Deng, Lewis Miller, Kye Rowles, Aiden O’Neill, Martin Boyle, John Iredale, Adam Taggart, Awer Mabil, Joshua Nisbet, Cameron Devlin, Joe Gauci.
Coach: Graham Arnold

Referee: Salman Ahmad Falahi (Qatar)
Assistant Referee 1: Ramzan Saeed (Qatar)
Assistant Referee 2: Majid Hudaires (Qatar)
Fourth Official: Abdulhadi Alasmar (Qatar)

Add as a preferred source on Google +