Late Goal Hands Socceroos Victory Over All Whites in Soccer Ashes Opener
Canberra,Australia – September 5,2025 – A late goal from Max Balard in the 87th minute secured a 1-0 victory for the CommBank Socceroos over the New Zealand All Whites in the first match of the Soccer Ashes series,played at GIO Stadium in Canberra.The All Whites dominated much of the match,creating several opportunities,particularly through Chris Wood. A long ball from singh almost found Wood in the first half,and a precise pass from Thomas to McCowatt led to a left-footed shot from Wood that was denied by goalkeeper Izzo. New Zealand continued to press after the break, with Cameron burgess blocking an effort from McCowatt and another chance falling to Boxall.
Australia struggled to find space and were outfoxed in midfield, with jordan Bos providing their main attacking threat. Connor Metcalfe also tested Max Crocombe with a shot from distance.
New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley made several substitutions after the hour mark, bringing on Kosta Barbarouses for Wood, Alex Rufer for Thomas, Callan Elliott for Payne, James McGarry for de Vries (due to a knee injury), Finn Surman for singh, and Ben Old for Just.
However, Australian reinforcements proved decisive. A missed prospect from Irankunda, heading over from six yards, preceded Balard’s winning goal. The All Whites failed to clear the danger from a corner, allowing Balard to turn and find the corner of the net, with Rufer losing his marker.
Despite a late push for an equaliser, New Zealand were unable to break through the Australian defense.
All Whites 0
Socceroos 1 (Max Balard 87′)
Halftime 0-0
Copyright Photo: David Neilson / www.photosport.nz
