Australia prepare for Brazil response in Brisbane rematch

Australia defender Aziz Behich expects Brazil to respond when the teams meet in Brisbane on Tuesday after the Socceroos earned a 1-1 draw in Townsville. Australia conceded with the final play of Friday’s match, leaving the team disappointed despite holding the world’s number-five ranked side. Behich said the Socceroos had set a high standard for themselves and would need to improve in the rematch at Lang Park.

The 35-year-old made his 88th international appearance in Townsville, his first match for Australia since the World Cup. He said the team had been brave in possession, trusted one another and taken the game to Brazil, but needed to reproduce that approach in Brisbane. Behich, who plays for Melbourne City, said he had no intention of ending his international career.

He described the current period as exciting and said he still had plenty to contribute. Australia’s Asian Cup campaign begins in January, giving the squad another major target. Coach Tony Popovic echoed the defender’s assessment, saying there had been a clear change in the players’ demeanour since the World Cup.

He identified confidence and bravery as important elements of the team’s performance. Popovic also warned that the quick turnaround would be challenging. He said many Australian players did not compete regularly in the Champions League or top European leagues and play 60 matches a year.

The Brisbane fixture will be a homecoming for defender Lucas Herrington, who last played for the Brisbane Roar in January before moving from Colorado in Major League Soccer to Hull in the Premier League. Popovic said the 19-year-old had defended confidently against Brazil but now had to show he could reproduce that level three or four days later.