Defender Aziz Behich says an atmosphere of having to earn your spot in Ange Postecgolou’s starting side has been a big reason for the Socceroos’ recent success.
Postecoglou has undertaken a major regeneration of the Australia side since taking over, trying to increase depth in the squad and have at least two players for every position.
Nowhere is that more evident than at left-back where Behich and West Brom’s Jason Davidson have been in a battle to nail down the starting position.
Behich admits it’s pushed everyone to perform when called upon.
“Definitely, but I think that goes for every position though,” Behich told FFA TV .
“It’s always healthy to have competition for positions. It pushes your teammates too another level so I think that’s what it’s done for the whole team in general.”
After starting the opening game of the Asian Cup against Kuwait, Behich eventually lost his spot to Davidson for the knockout stages of the tournament and watch from the bench in the epic final win over Korea Republic.
Davidson again got the nod for the 2-2 draw with world champions Germany on Thursday (AEDT) but Behich is hopeful of getting an opportunity from the start against FYR Macedonia on Tuesday morning (AEDT).
MATCH REPORT: Germany v Australia
“You have to take your chance every time it’s given,” the Bursaspor defender said.
“If I was to get my chance just go out there, I’ll do my best for the team and hopefully we continue to play the football we want and get a good result out there.
“It will be a tough game. We’re away from home and I can imagine they will be out there to win the game. It will be a real battle for us.”
The Socceroos head to Skopje on Sunday having spent the last couple of days training in Mainz and Behich says there is a great buzz in the squad having given the world champions a huge scare.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence, not only in the result but the way we played is what we have been working towards,” he said.
“There’s a lot of positives but we still have a lot of work to do to move forward.”
FYR MACEDONIA v AUSTRALIA
National Arena Philip II of Macedonia Stadium, Skopje, FYR Macedonia
Monday 30 March 2015, 8.00pm local kick-off (6.00am Tuesday 31 March AEDT)
Catch all the action LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports 505
