Behich, Socceroos eyeing rematch against World Cup giants

[ad_1] Eagerly anticipating the World Cup draw, Aziz Behich can not help however dream of settling some unfinished enterprise with Argentina.

In Qatar in 2022, Behich and Garang Kuol have been denied late possibilities to equalise in opposition to eventual champions Argentina because the Socceroos' golden run ended within the spherical of 16.

Within the draw for subsequent yr's world showpiece, to be held on Saturday at 4am (AEDT), Argentina can be in Pot 1 with the Socceroos in Pot 2, making for a one-in-12 shot at a gaggle stage reunion.

"Look, that will be nice if we get one other shot at them," Behich informed AAP.

"That is soccer — the sport can flip so fast. And we had two alternatives to make that sport one thing particular.

"However that entire marketing campaign was simply particular basically, the best way we obtained out of the group there, and I would like to be part of one thing like that once more.

Argentina beat Australia’s Socceroos 2-0 The irrepressible Lionel Messi once more brings the Socceroos' undone, scoring the quickest purpose of his worldwide profession as Argentina claims a pleasant victory in Beijing.

"And why not take it yet one more step ahead in a World Cup?"

Touchdown in Pot 2 ought to assist Australia keep away from any "group of dying'' eventualities — however Behich would not care.

"I've actually by no means believed in a gaggle of dying or something like that as a result of if a staff's on the World Cup, they're there for a motive," he mentioned.

"Which means they're the very best of their space they usually certified. Come the World Cup, they're one-off video games, so for me, any sport's a tricky sport.

"Something's potential in terms of soccer and it is confirmed week in, week out, not simply at worldwide stage.

"We confirmed that within the final World Cup. Nobody gave us an opportunity in Qatar and we went out swinging in opposition to the champions of that World Cup — and we might have snagged one thing there in that sport as nicely.

"So no matter group comes, it is a problem — but when there's one factor that us Aussies satisfaction ourselves on, it is performing with our backs in opposition to the wall in opposition to the very best.

"So it is extra of simply pleasure and a 'deliver it on' sort mentality."

Behich hopes an expanded 48-team match minimises the prospect of a 3rd consecutive World Cup group involving France and Denmark.

"It might be good, clearly, to get a unique draw as a result of the final two World Cups had just a few of the identical groups," he mentioned.

<img alt="Argentina superstar Lionel Messi grins as he holds the World Cup trophy in the air as he is hoisted on shoulders." class="Image_image__5tFYM ContentImage_image__DQ_cq" sizes="100vw" src="https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/489e06155beaf43a0376c85b8ebe8dbe?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=3298&cropW=4947&xPos=26&yPos=0&width=862&height=575" loading="lazy" data-component="Image" data-lazy="true"/> Lionel Messi hoists the trophy after Argentina's win over France within the 2022 World Cup remaining. ( Getty Photos: Tom Jenkins )

There'll clearly be much more journey than the 2022 Doha match, with video games sprawled throughout Canada, the USA and Mexico — a problem Behich welcomes.

Melbourne Metropolis skipper Behich, who missed the Socceroos' final window with a hamstring damage, is decided to achieve a 3rd World Cup, and compete with Jordy Bos for the beginning left-back position.

"With regards to the nationwide staff, there's all the time competitors and it is wholesome for the staff," he mentioned.

"So it is one factor I do not shrink back from. I simply consider in my very own means, what I am able to."

Behich will not watch the draw reside, given it is sport day for Melbourne Metropolis in Newcastle, however will meet up with it when he wakes up.

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"I will be straight on the TV to take a look on the draw, and it will be thrilling to see who our opponents can be for the primary part," he mentioned.