The Subway Socceroos are on the brink of securing a place in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, with Aziz Behich emerging as a national hero following an extraordinary week for the captain of Isuzu UTE A-League.
In a thrilling World Cup qualifier held at a packed Optus Stadium in Perth, Behich delivered a moment of sheer brilliance in the 90th minute, guiding the Socceroos to a 1-0 victory over AFC rivals Japan.
This spectacular last-minute goal, which ignited jubilant celebrations throughout the stadium, marked Behich’s first international goal in 13 years and was Australia’s first triumph over Japan since 2009.
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With this result, Australia is almost guaranteed a spot in next year’s World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as they occupy the second automatic qualifying position in Group C — unless they face a significant defeat against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Wednesday (AEST).
Just five days earlier, Behich led City to the Isuzu UTE A-League Championship in a historic Grand Final clash against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night — this being the 34-year-old’s first taste of Championship glory.
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“In terms of football, this has definitely been my best week,” shared Behich, who started alongside Western Sydney Wanderers’ Brandon Borrello and Melbourne Victory’s Ryan Teague.
“I’m going to savour this moment.”
He continued, “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet. When the final whistle blew, it was an incredible feeling. We knew it would be a tough match, and we had to grind through it. The boss told us at half-time that if we persevered, we would get our chance.”
“I was lucky it fell for me. My right foot has really served me well these past five days, scoring a backheel goal in the A-League and now finding the net again.”
In the post-match press conference, Behich elaborated: “It’s been an incredible week. Winning the A-League Championship was amazing, but I had to quickly shift my focus here because I flew out the following day. This is a significant opportunity to represent Australia again with so much at stake.”
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic, who also brought Victory star Daniel Arzani off the bench, relished the performance that has brought Australia closer to a sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.
“Emotions were running high,” the former Victory, Wanderers, and Perth Glory head coach told reporters. “We all know the objective – to secure direct qualification. We faced the best team in Asia right now, and to win it so late is just perfect, although it’s a nerve-wracking 90 minutes leading up to that moment.”
“A fantastic goal, and I’m thrilled for everyone involved with the Socceroos. It’s been a challenging time since I took over, but everyone has bought into the mission. We’re now very close to reaching our goal.”
Reflecting on Behich’s game-winning moment, Popovic remarked: “As soon as he struck it, I had a clear view. I could see the ball going in the moment it left his foot.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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