The Socceroos take on the New Zealand All Whites today at 5pm (5.30pm AEST) today from the Adelaide Oval in the first of two international friendlies this week, with a World Cup replay against Serbia on Tuesday. We’ll be covering the game with live scores and blog of Australia vs New Zealand.
With the two games in close proximity on the calendar, Australian coach Holger Osiek has indicated that he’ll be fielding two vastly different sides for the two games.
Socceroos stars Mark Schwarzer, and Tim Cahill were left out, while regular David Carney is also an admission from the squad due to injures, while it is reported that Harry Kewell’s lack of form saw him overlooked. Australian captain Lucas Neill is in grave doubt for the clash (groin) injury, and Sasa Ognenovski could be rested for Serbia.
With spots open, Osiek has given opportunities to youngsters with Michael Zullo, Rhys Williams, Matt Spiranovic, and James Troisi pushing for a start.
Probable Socceroos Squad (4-4-2): Coe (gk), Williams, Spiranovic, McKain, Zullo; Holman, Kilkenny, Valeri, Emerton Thompson, Kennedy
New Zealand always enjoy stepping up to take on Australia, and will no doubt be looking to get one up on their trans-Tasman rival.
New Zealand still hold the claim of being unbeaten at the 2010 World Cup, but will need to be better than their game against Mexico on Thursday last week, which saw them easily held 3-0.
Added concerns for coach Ricki Herbert are that the All Whites will be weary after a long flight from the United States, and there’s plenty of injury woes for the team.
Skipper Ryan Nelsen remains out with his ongoing knee injury, while Mark Paston, Tony Lochead, Rory Fallon, Winston Ried and Simon Elliot all add to the injuries that have savaged the squad.
Shane Smeltz is the class player for New Zealand and will always be a chance for creating something special should Australia give him space.
Probable All Whites Squad (4-4-2): Moss (gk), Mulligan, Sigmund, Boyens, Fitzgerald, Wood, McGlinchey, Brown, Brockie, Barbarouses, Smeltz
It looks likely that Australia will add another win to the tally against a depleted New Zealand. However, the All Whites are perennial overachievers and will lift for the game. They’ll need to convert any half-chances, as they are likely to be out on their feet towards the latter parts of the game.
Join us for all the coverage with live scores and a live blog.
FINAL SCORE Socceroos win 3-0 over New Zealand 9′ Kennedy, 59′ Kennedy, 90+3 Troisi (pen)
Australia vs New Zealand at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Sunday, June 5. Kick-off at 5pm local – 5.30pm AEST (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane).
Head-to-head: Australia 37, New Zealand 10, drawn 11
Last meeting: Australia 2 New Zealand 1, Melbourne, May 2010
FIFA world rankings: Australia 20, New Zealand 60
TAB Sportsbet: Australia $1.40, Draw $4, New Zealand $7.50
The Cattery
Roar Guru
The Roar's very own Davidde Corran was just on SEN talking about the Socceroos.
Football United
Guest
i believe he debuted against china earlier in the year
whiskeymac
Guest
cheers to the caller - good to follow. kennedy twice eh. sounds like troisi had a good game.
Titus
Guest
Cheers Shanebrien! Credit to the All Whites(and the white noise), but I think the scoreline indicates how easy we did it, despite not doing enough with the ball. We started to look good towards the end of the game and the Serbs should prove a tougher test and hopefully a more entertaining game.
jamesb
Guest
Shanebrein well done mate, you've done an excellant job. Tristan Rayner would agree when I say its very easy to watch a sporting contest for an extended period without filling in the updates. But Shanebrein well done. looks like a better result for the socceroos against NZ this time round. Last time these two sides met, socceroos scored in stoppage time to beat NZ 2-1.
shane
Roar Guru
Thanks buddy.
shane
Roar Guru
Thanks for that Bondy. Appreciate all comments. Good night!
Bondy
Guest
shanebrein. Well done mate.
shane
Roar Guru
Enjoyed it. Thanks bud.
shane
Roar Guru
No worries, thanks for tuning in.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Indeed! Well done Shane, enjoyed the commentary.
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call Shane. Much appreciated! :-)
shane
Roar Guru
Another good opportunity for the youngsters to push their case for the future.
shane
Roar Guru
NZ probably a touch unlucky not to jag a goal themselves. They battled hard but Oz just had a bit to much class in the end.
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
Roll on Serbia!
shane
Roar Guru
Fulltime. That last goal gives Oz their 40th win against the All Whites as the match official calls a halt in proceedings.
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
So a decent evening for the Roos then! Hurrah!
shane
Roar Guru
93' James Troisi converts as the home town lad scores from the spot.
shane
Roar Guru
93' A chance for Oz to put a cheery on top as Kruse is brought down in the box.
shane
Roar Guru
92' Clock is ticking down, not long to go now. Aussies 2-0 up