Head coach Darren Bazeley believes his New Zealand side are heading in the right direction despite losing the first leg of their two-match Soccer Ashes series with Australia.
“The boys are gutted,” he said after the Socceroos snatched a 1-0 win at GIO Stadium, Canberra, with an 87th minute winner from debutant Max Balard who had come off the bench only two minutes earlier.
“Football is a game of moments and we didn’t take our moments, and then the lad scores the goal at the end and we lose the game 1-0,” Bazeley told a post-game media briefing.
Bazeley said the result was “a tough one to take” but he was encouraged by his side’s performance.
“I think everybody saw the game — there’s enough in there to go. We’re heading in the right direction as a team, you know, and there’s more to come from us as well.”
WATCH: Highlights from All Whites’ loss to Socceroos in Soccer Ashes match >>>>
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Watch Darren Bazeley’s media briefing
Here’s the 10-minute media briefing in full:
READ MORE: Late heartbreak for All Whites as Australia take first-leg advantage >>>>
WATCH: Highlights from All Whites’ loss to Socceroos in Soccer Ashes match >>>>
The teams head to Auckland for Tuesday’s second leg at Go Media Stadium.
The Soccer Ashes will be decided on the aggregate score of the two games. If New Zealand win the second leg by a one-goal margin, a penalty shootout will settle the series.
Result
Game played on Friday September 5, 2025
Australia 1 (Max Balard 87′)
New Zealand 0
Fixture
Game to be played on Tuesday September 9, 2025
New Zealand v Australia
Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland, 7pm (NZT)
Ticket prices (Auckland match)
Tickets will be sold at ticketek.co.nz.
Before match day:
Adults: $20, $40, or $80 (plus ticketing fees)
14 and under: $10, $20, or $40 (plus ticketing fees)
Match day prices:
Adults: $25, $45, or $85 (plus ticketing fees)
14 and under: $15, $25, or $45 (plus ticketing fees)
Active Supporters Zone (South Stand – same location as The Port for Auckland FC):
Pre-sale: $20 adults / $10 (14 and under)
Match day: $25 adults / $15 (14 and under) (All prices exclude ticketing fees)
This story was first published on September 6, 2025.