"Max Balard scored an 87th-minute winner on debut for Australia as they defeated New Zealand 1-0 at GIO Stadium Canberra. New Zealand looked more likely to score a late goal in the friendly, accumulating 0.56 expected goals (xG) to Australia's 0.27, but the Socceroos rallied at the death to the delight of the home fans. It was an end-to-end start in Canberra with Jordan Bos' deflected cross rattling the post before Sarpreet Singh and Chris Wood missed good chances for the visitors"
"Both teams then went close in the final minutes of the first half. Connor Metcalfe's powerful strike was saved comfortably by Max Crocombe, while Paul Izzo, another Australian debutant, denied Wood with a smart stop low to his right. Michael Boxall then had a great chance to break the deadlock for New Zealand just before the hour-mark, but Izzo was on hand once again to save the defender's effort from close range."
"Australia's chance of victory looked all but over when Nestory Irankunda headed over the bar in the 82nd minute, but Balard showed great composure in the box to take a touch before slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner just two minutes after coming off the bench. FT | Max Balard scores two minutes after his debut to give the CommBank #Socceroos a 1-0 aggregate lead heading to New Zealand. #AUSvNZL #ForeverGolden pic.twitter.com/70pi9NMhpj - CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) September 5, 2025"
Max Balard scored an 87th-minute debut winner to give Australia a 1-0 victory over New Zealand at GIO Stadium Canberra. New Zealand generated higher expected goals (0.56 xG) than Australia (0.27 xG) and created several strong chances throughout the match. Jordan Bos forced a post early, while Sarpreet Singh and Chris Wood missed openings. Connor Metcalfe's powerful strike was saved by Max Crocombe and debutant Paul Izzo produced key saves, denying Wood and Michael Boxall. Nestory Irankunda headed over in the 82nd minute before Balard calmly finished two minutes after coming off the bench. Bos completed three successful dribbles and won 12 duels.
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