Aziz Behich Stuns Japan With 90th Minute Strike as Socceroos Close in on World Cup Dream

In what can only be described as a moment etched in Australian football folklore, Aziz Behich sent the 57,000-strong crowd at Perth’s Optus Stadium into raptures with a 90th-minute winner that downed Asian giants Japan. The Socceroos’ 1-0 victory not only snapped a 15-year drought against the Blue Samurai but also pushed Australia within touching distance of a sixth straight FIFA World Cup appearance.

Behich, who had scored just two goals in over 80 appearances for the national side, described the moment as one of the most powerful in his career. “I didn’t even see it hit the net,” he admitted post-match. “I just saw the crowd rise, heard the roar, and I knew we’d done it.”

The left-back’s rare goal came from a cutback by Riley McGree, met sweetly on his weaker right foot and driven into the net with unwavering precision. It was his first international goal in 13 years and couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time.

The victory puts Australia firmly in second place in Group C, with only an implausible heavy defeat against Saudi Arabia on June 10 in Jeddah now standing between them and automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

While the match saw Australia struggle for rhythm for long stretches, especially in the first half, the result proved that resilience and belief inside Tony Popovic’s camp is as strong as ever. Japan, despite fielding an experimental squad with several debutants and resting key players like Wataru Endo and Takefusa Kubo, dominated much of the match. But football, as always, is about moments—and Australia seized theirs at the death.

Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic, who has overseen a revival in form since taking over last September, was overcome with emotion as Behich’s strike flew in. “I had the perfect vantage point,” he said. “The second it left his boot, I knew it was going in. What a beautiful moment.”

Popovic called the match one of the most emotional nights of his career. “You’re playing the top team in Asia, the odds were stacked, but we stayed disciplined. That’s what made the win so special,” he added.

The emotional victory was particularly sweet for Behich, who just days earlier celebrated an A-League championship with Melbourne City. “This sits right at the top for me in the green and gold. We always go in as underdogs, but we never stop believing,” the 34-year-old said.

As the Socceroos gear up for their final qualifier, confidence is sky-high. Popovic’s squad, though tested, has shown it can dig deep and deliver when it matters most. One more result, and Australia will officially book their ticket to the world’s biggest sporting stage once again.