Debutant Max Balard scored just two minutes after coming on to secure the Socceroos a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Canberra on Friday night.
The former Central Coast Mariners star, who now plays his club football for Dutch club NAC Breda, netted in the 87th minute after being fed by fellow substitute Mohamed Toure.
The goal was a great reward for Balard, with many believing that the 24-year-old midfielder should not have had to wait as long as he did for his Socceroos debut.
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However, with next year’s FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Balard has now made his mark in the battle for places in Australia’s line-up.
“It’s electric,” Balard told Network 10.
“It’s a very special moment for me and my family, especially my parents. They’ve sacrificed a lot so I’m really happy I managed to score on my debut.
“That’s for them. I love them.”
Max Balard celebrates after scoring two minutes into his debut.Source: Getty Images
Balard and Toure helped spark the Socceroos late in the game along with other replacements Nestory Irankunda and Nicolas Milanovic, who made his national team debut.
Teenage sensation Irankunda’s introduction particularly excited the Canberra crowd, with the Watford star almost giving the Socceroos the lead in the 82md minute with a header that flew over the crossbar.
However, the Australians didn’t have to wait much longer for a goal, with Balard’s strike sinking the All Whites, who looked the better of the teams for much of the contest.
The woodwork denied the Socceroos in the fourth minute when a cross from left-back Jordan Bos deflected off New Zealand midfielder Joe Bell before crashing into the post.
The All Whites then took control, with playmaker Sarpreet Singh unleashing with a long-distance strike in the 12th minute that had Izzo scrambling before flying just wide of the post.
Singh was again prominent six minutes later, feeding New Zealand captain Chris Wood, who seemed certain to score, only to be denied by a fine save from Socceroos goalkeeper Paul Izzo.
At 30, Denmark-based Izzo made his Socceroos debut, getting the nod ahead of Joe Gauci and Tom Glover in the absence of first-choice custodian Mat Ryan.
“It was a difficult choice because all three are worthy of it … but Paul’s had consistency,” Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said.
“He’s been around a while and I just feel that he deserves an opportunity.”
On the stroke of half-time, Izzo again came to Australia’s rescue with another wonderful save to again foil the dangerous Wood.
With regular skipper Mat Ryan missing, as well as his usual deputy Jackson Irvine, experienced defender Milos Degenek captained Australia in his 50th appearance for the Socceroos.
“It’s really special, especially for me, coming from where I’ve come,” Degenek, whose family moved to Australia as refugees from war-torn Belgrade when he was six, said/
“To get to wear the captain’s armband, forget the 50 caps, is something special. Representing our country, representing the people, and to lead these boys out is something special, something I’ll never forget.”
“Fifty caps is something phenomenal. I’m hoping this journey continues for a little while longer, and I get a few more caps. It would mean the world to me.”