Arabic version: سوكروز يستعدون لردّ البرازيل في بريزبن

According to ABC News, the Socceroos expect Brazil to respond strongly when the teams meet again at Lang Park in Brisbane on Tuesday night, after Australia’s 1-1 draw in Townsville on Friday.

Australia conceded with the final play of the Townsville match, leaving the side disappointed despite a performance in which it took the lead and, according to the report, deserved it. Defender Aziz Behich said the Socceroos had set a high standard and needed to improve again in the rematch.

“We’ve set the bar high for ourselves … it was good, but we need to be better,” Behich said. The 35-year-old, who made his 88th national appearance in Townsville, said the team had been brave on the ball, trusted one another and taken the game on against Brazil.

Behich, the A-League’s only player in the Socceroos’ 26-man squad, said Australia needed to repeat that approach against the world number five-ranked side. He also said he still had plenty to offer the national team as the Asian Cup approaches in January.

Coach Tony Popovic said the players’ demeanour had clearly changed since the World Cup, citing greater confidence and bravery. But he said the short turnaround would be a major test, noting that his players do not play 60 games a year in the Champions League or top leagues.

The Brisbane match will also be a homecoming for 19-year-old defender Lucas Herrington, whose last game for Brisbane Roar was in January before he moved from Colorado in MLS to Hull in the Premier League. Popovic said Herrington now faced the challenge of backing up against elite opposition only a few days after the first Brazil match.