Despite extending his unbeaten run as Australian national coach to nine games, Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic has provided a modest appraisal of his side’s 1-0 win against New Zealand.
“It was okay … it was okay,” he told reporters after Australia snatched their win at GIO Stadium, Canberra, with an 87th-minute winner from debutant Max Balard who had come off the bench only two minutes earlier.
“At moments, we found it difficult against them (New Zealand). A really strong, physical team, you know.
“We did some decent things and, yeah, there’s a bit to work on.”
Watch Tony Popovic’s media briefing
Here’s the 11-minute media briefing in full:
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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.