Australia defender Lucas Herrington is optimistic about the team's future, saying their performance in their 4-2 defeat to Brazil "shows how far we've come".
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Herrington: Australia's performances against Brazil show how far we've come
Australia drew and lost to Brazil during their two friendly matches, but Lucas Herrington was full of praise for how they fought.
The Socceroos came within minutes of a shock win in the first of their two friendlies with Brazil but were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw last Friday after Rayan's stoppage-time leveller.
In Brisbane on Tuesday, Australia briefly led, with Alessandro Circati and Connor Metcalfe both scoring to flip the script after Vanderson's third-minute opener.
However, Raphinha equalised just before the break from the penalty spot, before goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior – again from 12 yards – secured the win in the second half.
Australia became just the second team from the AFC confederation to score twice against Brazil in a game in the last 21 years, after Japan beat the Selecao 3-2 last October.
The hosts finished the game with just seven shots – scoring with both of their attempts on target – but posted 1.5 expected goals (xG) and had 51 final-third entries, more than Brazil's 44.
And Herrington was thrilled to see the fight Australia put up against Carlo Ancelotti's side across both matches, as he believes team and fan morale is at an all-time high.
"It's so special; you can see the support around the stadium," Herrington said.
"It's awesome, the first time playing for the Socceroos in Brisbane. It means everything. I would see them growing up in Brisbane, I know how big the football community is here. It's been so nice to come home and see the reception we've got.
"All I've ever wanted is to play for the Socceroos, so to do that so early and with such great people is amazing.
"You want to play these types of games, and I think it's a credit to Australia and the Socceroos and the fans that Brazil want to come here and play us. It was a great game; we really put them under pressure.
"It shows how far we've come. Since I've been a Socceroos fan, this is the biggest reception and the most excitement that's been around the team."
