Socceroos Braces for Brazil Backlash in Brisbane Rematch
The Socceroos are bracing for a tough test against Brazil in Brisbane, after their 1-1 draw in Townsville on Friday. Veteran Aziz Behich says the team needs to be better in the rematch, having set a high bar with their performance.
Socceroo veteran Aziz Behich is gearing up for a tough test against Brazil in Brisbane, after the team's 1-1 draw in Townsville on Friday.
The 35-year-old, who made his 88th national appearance against Brazil, said the team was disappointed with the result, having taken the lead and created several scoring opportunities.
A High-Intensity Matchup
"We've set the bar high for ourselves … it was good, but we need to be better," Behich said.
"How brave we were on the ball … we trusted each other and took the game on."
"When you do that against an opponent like that, you earn their respect and we need to do that again, that's for sure."
Behich, who is in preseason mode with Melbourne City, was able to display his trademark pace and work rate despite being rusty.
Behich's Future with the Socceroos
There is optimism the next generation of talent will take the Socceroos to new heights and, with the Asian Cup on the horizon in January, Behich plans to do more than stick around.
"I wouldn't call it hanging on … I'm still playing at a high level … it's exciting times," he said.
"I feel great. I'm a player that's always honest with myself. I know when I'm not at a level I should be. But I have a lot in the tank to give."
Coach's Perspective
Coach Tony Popovic echoed Behich's sentiment ahead of the Brisbane rematch.
"Being confident, being brave … we've clearly seen a difference in the players' demeanour since the World Cup," he said.
He said the challenge would be to back-up that performance on a short-turnaround.
"We don't have players playing regular Champions League, or in the top leagues, 60 games a year," he said.
"It's a great test."
Rising Star Returns to Brisbane
The Brisbane fixture serves as a homecoming for rising defender Lucas Herrington, who played his last game for the Roar in January this year.
"We've seen against Brazil a confident young man, defending against the very best," Popovic said.
"Now he's got the challenge of doing something he maybe hasn't done in a while, against that calibre, backing up three, four days later."
"Can the body do it and are you ready to play at that level once more?"