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 probabilities to equalise in opposition to eventual champions Argentina because the Socceroos’ golden run ended within the spherical of 16.
In the draw for subsequent 12 months’s international showpiece, to be held on Saturday at 4am (AEDT), Argentina will likely be in Pot 1 with the Socceroos in Pot 2, making for a one-in-12 shot at a gaggle stage reunion.
“Look, that may be nice if we get one other shot at them,” Behich informed AAP.
“That’s soccer — the sport can flip so fast. And we had two alternatives to make that recreation one thing particular.
“But that entire marketing campaign was simply particular usually, the way in which we acquired out of the group there, and I’d like to be part of one thing like that once more.
“And why not take it yet one more step ahead in a World Cup?”
Landing in Pot 2 ought to assist Australia keep away from any “group of dying” situations — however Behich does not care.
“I’ve actually by no means believed in a gaggle of dying or something like that as a result of if a crew’s on the World Cup, they’re there for a motive,” he mentioned.
“That means they’re the perfect of their space they usually certified. Come the World Cup, they’re one-off video games, so for me, any recreation’s a tricky recreation.
“Anything’s potential relating to soccer and it is confirmed week in, week out, not simply at worldwide stage.
“We confirmed that within the final World Cup. No one 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 recreation as properly.
“So no matter group comes, it is a problem — but when there’s one factor that us Aussies pleasure ourselves on, it is performing with our backs in opposition to the wall in opposition to the perfect.
“So it is extra of simply pleasure and a ‘carry 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’d be good, clearly, to get a unique draw as a result of the final two World Cups had a couple of of the identical groups,” he mentioned.
Lionel Messi hoists the trophy after Argentina’s win over France within the 2022 World Cup ultimate. (Getty Images: Tom Jenkins)
There will clearly be much more journey than the 2022 Doha match, with video games sprawled throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico — a problem Behich welcomes.
Melbourne City skipper Behich, who missed the Socceroos’ final window with a hamstring harm, is decided to succeed in a 3rd World Cup, and compete with Jordy Bos for the beginning left-back position.
“When it involves the nationwide crew, there’s all the time competitors and it is wholesome for the crew,” he mentioned.
“So it is one factor I do not shrink back from. I simply imagine in my very own capability, what I’m able to.”
Behich will not watch the draw reside, given it is recreation day for Melbourne City in Newcastle, however will meet up with it when he wakes up.
“I’ll be straight on the TV to take a look on the draw, and it will be thrilling to see who our opponents will likely be for the primary section,” he mentioned.
“When the draw comes out, then the countdown begins.
“If you set all sports activities collectively, the World Cup is the head of every thing.
“It’s the largest occasion on the earth — just about the entire world’s watching when it comes round.
“So hopefully I’m in good stead come choice time and I can go round yet one more time.”
AAP
