Socceroos v New Zealand LIVE updates: Socceroos escape first half unscathed as Izzo blocks shots
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Key posts
Australia make subs as second half begins
Australia make two substitutions heading in to the second half. Lewis Miller and Aiden O’Neill are on to replace Samuel Silvera and Patrick Yazbek.
There are no changes for New Zealand.
The second half begins.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 46 minutes
Half-time statistics
Half-time 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.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, half-time
At long last, a shot on goal
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.
Izzo denies again
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
Australia remember how to pass, momentarily
Silvera is up and play continues. Australia are reverting back to basics in an attempt to keep the ball in possession and in their attacking half. It works long enough for Bos to cross straight into the All Whites keeper, Max Crocombe’s palms. More of that would be good news for the Socceroos.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 35 minutes
Yellow card shown after late tackle on Silvera
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
Francis De Vries is shown a yellow card.Credit: Getty Images
Why Popovic might be starting to worry
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.
Watch Paul Izzo’s early save
Australia’s best hope: Jordan Bos
We haven’t spent much time talking about Australia so far in this game but when we have, it’s been about Jordan Bos.
He wiggles through bodies to get himself in front of the goal but without looking for a target, his shot orbits far from where he’d planned.
Australia 0-0 New Zealand, 23 minutes
Jordan Bos gets Australia’s closest chance so far.Credit: Getty Images
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