Just days after lifting the A-League Men’s Championship trophy as Melbourne City captain, Aziz Behich has delivered another unforgettable moment – this time on the international stage.
The left-back was the hero for the Socceroos on Thursday night, scoring a stunning 90th-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory over Japan in front of more than 57,000 fans at Perth Stadium.
Behich played the full 90 minutes and proved the difference in what was a tense and tightly contested World Cup qualifier. With just moments remaining, he latched onto a Riley McGree cutback and curled home a brilliant finish from just inside the box – his first international goal in 13 years.
The result not only ends a ten-match winless run for Australia against Japan, but it also puts the Socceroos within touching distance of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
A draw – or even a defeat by under five goals – in next Tuesday morning’s away clash against Saudi Arabia will be enough to book a sixth consecutive World Cup berth.
City teammates Kai Trewin and Marco Tilio were both unused substitutes on the night but remain in camp and in contention for selection in the upcoming fixture.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Behich, who capped off a brilliant A-League season by scoring in the Semi-Final and playing a key role in City’s Grand Final win over Melbourne Victory – before jetting straight into international duty.
Australia’s next challenge comes away from home against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning (AEST), where Behich and his Socceroos teammates will look to finish the job and confirm their place at yet another World Cup
FIXTURE DETAILS
AFC World Cup Qualifiers
Saudi Arabia v Australia
Tuesday 10 June, 4:15am KO (AEST)
King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Jeddah
Live on Paramount+
