Socceroos v New Zealand LIVE updates: Australia’s prep for 2026 World Cup begins in Canberra

That’s it for the first half, Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess walk into the tunnel mulling over what they almost conceded but alas, the score is square.

Analysis from Vince to come.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, half-time

Finally - a shot. It took 43 minutes, Connor Metcalfe letting rip from the edge of the box, but it was easy work for the All Whites goalkeeper Max Crocombe. But again, that play was sparked by Jordan Bos, and if Martin Boyle didn’t get himself in the way of a ball that was meant to go to him when he was free on the left, I reckon the Socceroos would have generated a much better chance from that situation. This has been a really lacklustre half from Australia but Bos is the standout. He’s head and shoulders above the rest of the team at the moment - although Paul Izzo, on debut, deserves a lot of credit for a couple of key saves, including one from Chris Wood again which occurred as I was typing this. There’s a lot for Tony Popovic to address at half-time.

Boyle to Yazbek to Hrsutic to Metcalfe who strikes the ball in best shot (on target too) for the Socceroos tonight. It’s an easy catch for Max Crocombe though.

Up the other end of the pitch, Chris Wood has another go but once again Paul Izzo dives to his right and gets a palm to the face of the ball. It’s out for a corner.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 43 minutes

Samuel Silvera is the victim of a late tackle that sees Popovic off the bench and asking questions of the refereeing. Although at first it looks like he’s going to get away with it, Francis De Vries is shown a yellow card for his efforts.

Silvera is still down and receiving treatment on his left ankle on the pitch.

Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 31 minutes

Still no shots on goal for Australia after nearly half an hour of football. This will be a bit worrying for Tony Popovic. The Socceroos haven’t really looked like doing anything in attack - except when Jordan Bos is involved, and he sort of bullies his way through the All Whites’ defence. The only thing that will be stopping him from being in the Premier League next season is his hamstring. But he’s a lone soldier right now.

With the exception of that early corner kick and those couple of runs from Bos down the left, it’s been all New Zealand so far. They’re bossing possession, winning the second balls and the Socceroos are really struggling to get out of their half. The All Whites are an excellent side - this is maybe the best crop of players the Kiwis have ever had - so this is a real test for these players. Chris Wood, by the way, is a huge unit. Like, massive. Rugby union massive. And he’s giving the Australian defence a torrid time.

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