Melbourne City captain Aziz Behich has urged his teammates to replicate Friday night’s display from their 1-1 draw with Brazil, believing the Socceroos have now set a new benchmark when it comes to performances.
The Socceroos put on an excellent display in Townsville and were seconds away from defeating the five-time FIFA World Champions thanks to a stunning freekick from Nestory Irankunda.
However Tony Popovic’s side ultimately succumbed to a 95th minute equaliser scored by Bournemouth forward Rayan which saw the game end in a 1-1 draw.
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TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Nestory Irankunda of Australia celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
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As part of the two-game series with the South American giants the Socceroos are now preparing to face Brazil once again, this time at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, and while Friday night’s 1-1 draw may have felt like a loss, Behich believes the Socceroos have now proven to both themselves and the public what they’re really capable of.
“Yeah, look, it was a good performance,” Behich said when speaking to media on Tuesday lunchtime.
“Obviously, there is a bit of disappointment. Conceding last kick of the game and from a set piece, which something we’ve been good at since the bosses taken over.
“But yeah, a lot of positives from the game but the challenge is we’ve set the bar high for ourselves as a playing group, and you know it was good the other night, but we need to be better.”
He went on to say: “You know we trusted each other, and we just took the game on and I think when you do that against an opponent like that, you earn the respect.
“And I think we need to do that again. That’s for sure.
“We can’t shy away from the way we want to play our football. A lot to work on still, a lot to improve on. But I think it was a good first step.”
Despite not having played a competitive game since the Socceroos’ Round of 32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July, Behich was still trusted to play the full 90 minutes during the clash in Townsville.
The 35-year-old acquitted himself well against some of world football’s most talented players including the likes of Barcelona superstar Raphinha and he believes there’s still plenty of fuel in the tank when it comes to representing the national team and his club Melbourne City, with the 2026/27 A-League Men season getting underway on October 16.
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TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Aziz Behich of Australia runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between Australia Socceroos and Brazil at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“Yeah, look, you know, I’m always someone that takes pride in looking after my body,” Behich said when asked if he was targetting a spot in the Socceroos squad ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
“You know, even on holidays, I don’t get carried away, and I think that’s why I’m still going now.
“So yeah, look, I felt great out there. You know, and I’ve recovered really well as well. So yeah, I’ve got no issues.
He went on to say: “I feel great. My body’s great. You know, I’ve had a good pre-season.
“You know, my data shows that that I’ve been working hard, and probably some of my best scores at City since I’ve signed at the club, which is not normal!
“As long as I feel great, and look, I’m a player that’s always honest with myself, so I know when I’m not at a level that I should be.
“But at the moment I feel like I’ve still got a lot in the tank to give.”
After Tuesday night’s clash against Brazil in Brisbane Behich will then turn his attention back to Melbourne City affairs.
The 2024/25 Champions open their account with an away trip to Go Media Stadium where they’ll face Auckland FC on Saturday, October 17.
