WATCH: Subway Socceroos edge New Zealand in international Brisbane friendly
The Subway Socceroos have defeated New Zealand 1-0 in a tightly fought contest at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
A moment of magic from Awer Mabil just past the half hour mark separated the two sides in Australia’s farewell match that doubled as a Centenary celebration with 2022 marking 100 years since the men’s national football team played its first ‘A’ international match in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The 27-year-old’s magnificent strike was his eighth goal for his country but the first scored in Australia.
On the balance of play the Subway Socceroos controlled the majority most of the game but just lacked that polish in attack at times to kill the game off earlier.
The Kiwis arguably settled quicker in the opening exchanges with the hosts unable to break through their high press with consistency.
Jackson Irvine had the best chance for the home outfit when the ball dropped to him inside the 18-yard box though could not generate a clean strike to trouble Oliver Sail.
Moments later Mabil curled a shot which whistled wide of the far corner after cutting inside – a trademark move which foreshadowed what was to come.
In the 32nd minute, Irvine dispossessed his opponent before spraying a pass to Mabil and he did the rest.
The lively winger checked onto his favoured right side on the left flank and his shot proved too hot to handle.
New Zealand defended well in the second stanza, making it difficult for the Aussies but they did still manage to cause problems.
Substitute Riley McGree unleashed a stinging strike over the crossbar. He was one of six changes made by Head Coach Graham Arnold in the second-half.
In the dying minutes, Mathew Leckie had the best opportunity after being played through by Martin Boyle but his finish was met by a fingertip save before clipping the outside of the post.
Australia are back in action against the same opponent in Auckland on Sunday for its final match before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.
Match Details
International Friendly
Thursday, 22 September 2022
Australia 1 (Mabil 32’)
New Zealand 0
Suncorp Stadium
Crowd: 25,392