Borrello on building a strike partnership: ‘The more we score, the more confidence we have’

Kristian Bullock \\ Photo credit: Aleksandar Jason/Socceroos 1700253020,1700285064

Subway Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello reflected on his second ever international goal along with the side’s dominant win against Bangladesh in Melbourne.

Australia have started their FIFA World Cup 2026™️ qualification campaign in blistering fashion, defeating Bangladesh seven goals to zero in front of a boisterous Melbourne crowd at AAMI Park.

Amongst the scorers was hometown hero Jamie Maclaren, who netted a hat-trick, Mitchell Duke, who acquired a first-half brace, and Brandon Borrello, who tucked home a strong team goal.

Despite a commanding lead during the break, Borrello explained the fervent standards of his manager, who previously represented the national team as a forward.

“The boss came in at halftime and said he wanted another four, he wanted us to be ruthless. But we only scored three. For us, I think we create a lot of chances, but now it’s just finishing them off, being ruthless.” He told FA Media after the match.

“He wants us to be like that because the qualifiers aren't easy, so the more goals we can score, the more confidence the boys will have. But it was good to start the campaign like that, we knew we were going to have most of the possession and a lot of chances to score goals.”

Fittingly, the 28-year-old would score his second international goal, in the city where he produced his first, having opened his account down the road at Marvel Stadium against Ecuador in March.

Borrello was handsomly rewarded, for timing his run against the efforts of Connor Metcalfe, who slid an exquisite low cross toward the foot of the Western Sydney Wanderers striker. Unfortunate in front of goal to start the new season, he believes that Thursday’s goal had been coming for a while.

“It feels great. I mean, in the trip to England, I probably could have had another one, and tonight I probably could have had maybe a couple more.”

“I’m always trying to get in the right areas and play my role for the team. I think it's something to build on.”

Arnold’s four striker solution was on full display against Bangladesh, with Borello starting the match alongside Mitchell Duke in a front two partnership, before being forced to accommodate the introduction of Jamie Maclaren. Former team-mate Kusini Yengi completed the striking quadruple, replacing Borrello on the 71st minute. 

“Whether it's (Duke) ‘Dukie’ whether it's (Maclaren) ‘Macca’, or whether it's even (Yengi) ‘Kuss’, there seems to be a really good understanding. It's more so building that relationship, we've got enough time in training to sort of gel striker partners, which is good.”

“And it shows, it's been a great start to our campaign, we got to score a lot of goals in front of a great home crowd.”

Despite playing his club football in Australia, as opposed to his European or Asian based teammates, Borrello still felt the importance and emotion behind the Subway Socceroos first home international in almost eight months.

“It's massive, obviously coming off the emotions of the Women’s World Cup and our (Qatar 2022) World Cup.”

“It was a great atmosphere. It was good to have that backing tonight, it was just great to see everyone's getting behind the national team. Melbourne is one of the sport hubs of Australia.”

Attention quickly turns to the second qualifier against Palestine (Tuesday 1am AEDT), with the side set to fly out of Melbourne on Saturday, toward Kuwait, where the match will be held. Borrello looks forward to what will be a crucial few days of preparation leading up to the Palestine match.

“We will get back to the hotel and recover properly. We've got a bit of time in between that game and now, to sort of get our minds right and prepare.”

“We know it's going to be an extremely tough game over in Kuwait, but we're prepared for the challenge. And I'm sure you know, the coaching staff will do everything to prepare us, the right way.”

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™️  SECOND ROUND ASIAN QUALIFIERS:

Palestine v Subway Socceroos
Tuesday, 21 November
Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium, Kuwait
Kick-off: 5.00pm (local) / 1am AEDT (Wednesday, 22 November)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+