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.
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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