Nine’s Wide World of Sports
Western Sydney Wanderers star Brandon Borrello is savouring his recall to the Socceroos squad after repeatedly missing out on major tournaments.
Borrello has been recalled to the national team for the international window after eight months out with injury.
The 29-year-old arrived in camp in Melbourne ahead of the Socceroos' FIFA World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on Thursday night — Borrello's first match under new coach Tony Popovic.
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Brandon Borrello in action for the Socceroos during an international friendly in 2023. Quinn Rooney via Getty Images
With 11 international caps to his name, Borrello was dropped from Graham Arnold's 2022 World Cup squad and was sidelined by a foot injury for February's Asian Cup. He has not featured in the green and gold since November last year.
With the opportunity to impact the Socceroos' 2026 World Cup qualification, Borrello admits he is driven to play a key role throughout the campaign.
"I've missed out on World Cups, an Asian Cup … I've been a part of all the qualifiers leading up to big tournaments but I've not played in a big tournament yet," Borrello told media on Monday.
"That's obviously a massive goal of mine to get there [for the 2026 World Cup].
"You never know what's going to happen, so every time you come into [Socceroos] camp you have to put your best foot forward.
"I've been happy, buzzing to get into training, buzzing for games. I just want to keep on doing the things I'm doing."
Brandon Borrello during the A-Leagues season launch. Getty Images for A-Leagues
Borrello's call-up comes on the back of strong form in the A-League Men competition with the Wanderers.
He is one of seven A-League players included in Popovic's squad.
"It doesn't matter if you're young or old, or where you're playing; if you're performing week in, week out, [Popovic] will pick you," Borrello said.
"I found a bit of form at the start of the season, and this is the reward of it."
The attacker has never been coached by Popovic, who most recently coached Melbourne Victory at club level, and is unsure which role he will play in the set-up.
However, he has asked around to get an understanding of Popovic's expectations.
"I spoke to a few of his players from Melbourne Victory to make sure I do the right things and start off on the right foot. It's all about respect," he said.
"I'm sort of that type of player, even though I'm playing as a striker I'd play as a goalkeeper if it got me on the pitch.
"However he sees fit for me to play, if I was to play, I'm happy to do a job.
Brandon Borrello addresses media in Melbourne. Football Australia
"I think it helps, especially with the way the game's going now, to have a bit of versatility, but we'll see in the end."
Australia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are all on five points in Group C's standings for round three of the Asian qualifiers — five points adrift from group leader Japan.
The top two nations from each of the three Asian Football Confederation groups will directly book their place at the 2026 World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Borrello described Australia's upcoming match-ups as "very dangerous".
"We can't take any game lightly at the moment, that's the situation we're in," he said.
"We need to prepare as best as we can."
The Socceroos will take on Saudi Arabia at 8.10pm AEDT on Thursday before travelling to Riffa where they will meet Bahrain next Wednesday.
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