Indonesia vs China: Maarten Paes Suspended, Emil Audero Poised for Debut

March 28, 2025 | 08:29 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Emil Audero's hope to debut with the Indonesian national team seems likely to come true. He has the chance to become the main goalkeeper for the Garuda squad when they host China in June, after Maarten Paes received an accumulation of cards.

The Indonesia vs China match will take place in Jakarta on June 5. This is an important match for the team led by Patrick Kluivert. If they win this match, Indonesia will likely advance to the fourth round.

In that match, Maarten Paes is confirmed to be absent. This player received a yellow card accumulation. The 26-year-old goalkeeper received a yellow card in the 72nd minute of the match against Bahrain at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on March 25, 2025. Referee Sadullo Gulmurodi judged him to have held the ball too long, which appeared to be a waste of time.

Maarten Paes has collected two yellow cards while playing for the Indonesia national team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone. First, during his debut at the Saudi Arabian base last September.

Maarten Paes' absence almost guarantees a place for Emil Audero under the Garuda goalposts. The former Juventus and Inter Milan goalkeeper officially became an Indonesian citizen (WNI) on March 10, but still has not had the opportunity to debut.

Indonesia National Team goalkeeper Emil Audero in an official training session at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta, March 24, 2025. Tempo/M Taufan Rengganis

He watched from the bench in the last two matches, against Australia and Bahrain, observing Maarten Paes from the sidelines. Meanwhile, two naturalized players with him, Dean James and Joey Pelupessy, had already played for the first time in the Red and White uniforms.

The Indonesian national team needs a victory to maintain their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and Emil Audero will play a vital role. If he performs well, it is not unlikely that he will be trusted again in the final match against Japan, even when Maarten Paes is available.

Emil Audero has the experience of over 100 appearances in the elite class in Italy and is familiar with facing big matches. Coupled with his excellent abilities, the Lombok-born player is very worthy of trust.

The Indonesian national team is currently fourth in the Group C standings of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian zone after the third round. They have nine points, below Japan (20), Australia (13), and Saudi Arabia.

Later, the top two in the standings will qualify directly for the final round of the 2026 World Cup. Australia has a great chance of accompanying Japan, which has already qualified. The third and fourth positions will have to fight again in the fourth round. Indonesia has a great chance to advance to this fourth round.

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