Melbourne City Men’s Captain, Jamie Maclaren, scored a second-half hat-trick as the Socceroos defeated Bangladesh 7-0 at AAMI Park on Thursday night.
There were a number of current and former City stars involved as Graham Arnold’s men commenced their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign with an impressive win in Melbourne.
Returning to AAMI Park, City Academy products Connor Metcalfe (two assists) and Jordan Bos (one assist) were both named in Arnold’s starting XI – both producing standout performances on the international stage.
City duo Jamie Maclaren and Aziz Behich entered the match at half-time, with our skipper taking just three minutes to find the back of the net.
Maclaren’s first was a goal made in City blue, with Behich involved in the build-up before Bos delivered a pin-point cross for his former City teammate.
Our number 9 was at his clinical best inside the box, doubling his tally with a poacher’s effort at the back post before securing his second hat-trick for the Socceroos in the 84th minute with another close range strike.
Former City midfielder, Aiden O’Neill, was also used as a second-half substitute, earning the Socceroos a penalty after being fouled in the box following a great run.
The Socceroos continue their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign when they take on Palestine at Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium in Kuwait on Tuesday 21 November.
Image Credit: Socceroos // Aleksandar Jason
