Match Report
The CommBank Socceroos have defeated New Zealand 1-0 in the first leg of the 2025 Soccer Ashes in front of nearly 20,000 fans at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
Max Balard scored the only goal of the game only moments after coming onto the pitch for his debut in the 87th minute.
Head Coach Tony Popovic selected a new-look starting eleven with Conor Metcalfe, Patrick Yazbek, Milos Degenek and Martin Boyle the only survivors from the starting side that secured qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ against Saudi Arabia in June.
Paul Izzo became CommBank Socceroo #650 when the 30-year-old was named as starting goalkeeper. Exciting youngsters Nicolas Milanovic and Max Balard also debuted in this game when they were substituted on in the second half.
