New Zealand vs Australia: Soccer Ashes 2nd Leg Preview (September 9, 2025)
The second leg of the 2025 Soccer Ashes, a historic trans-Tasman rivalry, is set to unfold on September 9, 2025, at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with kick-off at 7:00 PM local time (5:00 PM AEST). Australia’s CommBank Socceroos hold a slender 1-0 aggregate lead over New Zealand’s All Whites, thanks to debutant Max Balard’s late strike in the first leg in Canberra on September 5. This international friendly, broadcast live on Paramount+ in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand, promises a thrilling encounter as the All Whites aim to overturn the deficit and claim the Soccer Ashes trophy for the first time since 1923. This article provides a comprehensive preview of the match, delving into team form, key players, tactical battles, historical context, and predictions, ensuring accurate information and a human-like narrative as of September 9, 2025.
The Soccer Ashes: A Storied Rivalry
Historical Context
The Soccer Ashes, inspired by cricket’s Ashes urn, is a trophy steeped in history, containing the ashes of cigars smoked by the captains of Australia and New Zealand after their first match in 1923. Contested sporadically until the 1950s, the trophy vanished until its rediscovery in 2023 by the grandchildren of former Australian Soccer Football Association Chairman Sydney Storey. Australia has dominated the series, winning four of the six historical series, with New Zealand’s last victory in 1923. The 2023 one-off match in London saw Australia triumph 2-0, with goals from Mitchell Duke and Jackson Irvine, setting the stage for this two-legged series, the first on home soil since the 1950s.
Significance of the Second Leg
The Soccer Ashes is decided by the aggregate score over two legs, with a penalty shootout if the scores are level after 90 minutes in Auckland. Australia’s 1-0 lead means a draw or win secures the trophy, while New Zealand needs a victory by two or more goals to claim it outright or a 1-0 win to force penalties. With both teams preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this match is a crucial test of depth and resilience.
Team Analysis: Australia (CommBank Socceroos)
Recent Form and Squad Overview
Under head coach Tony Popovic, who remains unbeaten in nine matches since taking over in September 2024, the Socceroos are riding high. Their successful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign saw them secure second spot in their group with 19 points, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. The first leg against New Zealand showcased a youthful squad, with debutants Paul Izzo, Nicolas Milanovic, and Max Balard shining in a gritty 1-0 win. Australia’s FIFA ranking of 27th and 10-game unbeaten streak against New Zealand (since 2010) make them favorites.
Tactical Approach
Popovic’s strategy blends pragmatism with youthful flair. In Canberra, Australia struggled early against New Zealand’s press but gained control after second-half substitutions. For the second leg, Popovic has made six changes, rewarding Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure with starts after their impactful substitute roles. Alessandro Circati, at 21, captains the side, reflecting Popovic’s trust in youth. The Socceroos are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on:
- Defensive Solidity: Circati and Cameron Burgess anchor the backline, with Paul Izzo’s four saves in the first leg proving his reliability.
- Midfield Control: Conor Metcalfe and Aiden O’Neill provide stability, allowing Irankunda and Toure to exploit flanks.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: Samuel Silvera and Jordy Bos, who hit the post in Canberra, will stretch New Zealand’s defense.
Key Players to Watch
- Alessandro Circati (Captain): The 21-year-old defender’s leadership and composure make him pivotal. His captaincy is a “fantastic honour,” as noted by Popovic.
- Nestory Irankunda: The Watford winger’s pace and directness (two free-kick goals for his club in 2025) could unlock New Zealand’s defense.
- Max Balard: The debutant’s 87th-minute goal in Canberra, assisted by Toure, highlights his knack for decisive moments.
- Jordy Bos: The Feyenoord wing-back’s runs troubled New Zealand, and his creativity (one shot off the post) is key.
- Paul Izzo: Socceroo #650, his two saves against Chris Wood in the first leg underline his importance.
Strengths and Challenges
Australia’s strengths lie in their depth, with eight potential debutants like Jack Iredale and Adrian Segecic, and Popovic’s unbeaten record. Their challenge is maintaining fluency against New Zealand’s physical press, as the first half in Canberra exposed disjointed play. Adapting to Auckland’s potentially dewy conditions and avoiding complacency with a one-goal lead are critical.
Team Analysis: New Zealand (All Whites)
Recent Form and Squad Overview
Ranked 104th by FIFA, New Zealand qualified for the 2026 World Cup via a 3-0 win over New Caledonia in the OFC Qualifying final. Their recent form is mixed, with a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast and a 2-1 loss to Ukraine in June 2025. The first leg saw them dominate early but rue missed chances, particularly from Chris Wood. Coach Darren Bazeley remains optimistic, stating, “We played well… there’s more to come,” highlighting their potential to upset Australia. The return of midfielder Ryan Thomas, absent since 2019, bolsters their midfield.
Tactical Approach
Bazeley’s All Whites employ a high-pressing 4-3-3, aiming to disrupt Australia’s rhythm. Their first-leg performance showed promise, with Wood’s physicality and Elijah Just’s wing play creating chances. In Auckland, they are expected to:
- Press Aggressively: Target Australia’s young midfield to force errors, as seen in Canberra.
- Exploit Set-Pieces: Wood’s aerial threat (20 Premier League goals in 2024/25) could capitalize on corners or free-kicks.
- Counter Quickly: Callum McCowatt and Kosta Barbarouses provide pace to exploit transitions.
Key Players to Watch
- Chris Wood (Captain): The Nottingham Forest striker, with two goals in three Premier League games this season, is New Zealand’s talisman. His missed chances in Canberra must be converted.
- Ryan Thomas: The midfielder’s return adds experience, crucial for controlling the tempo against Australia’s dynamic midfield.
- Elijah Just: His pace on the wing troubled Australia, and he could exploit spaces left by Bos.
- Kosta Barbarouses: The A-League veteran’s experience (10 players in the squad are A-League-based) adds flair.
- Max Crocombe: The goalkeeper’s distribution will be key to launching counters against Australia’s press.
Strengths and Challenges
New Zealand’s physicality and home crowd support are strengths, but their inability to convert chances (no goals against Australia since 2010) is a concern. Squad management, as noted by Bazeley, limited their first-leg impact, and injuries like Liberato Cacace’s absence weaken their defense. They must overcome Australia’s eight-match winning streak against them.
Tactical Battle and Pitch Conditions
Expected Tactical Clash
The match will hinge on midfield control and finishing efficiency. Australia’s 4-2-3-1, with Irankunda and Toure’s flair, will test New Zealand’s backline, particularly without Cacace. New Zealand’s high press aims to disrupt Circati’s distribution, but Australia’s substitutes, like Balard and Milanovic, proved game-changers in Canberra. Set-pieces will be crucial, with Wood’s aerial ability against Circati and Burgess, while Australia’s pace could exploit New Zealand’s transitions. Popovic’s “new challenge” comment suggests a focus on maintaining intensity in Auckland’s hostile atmosphere.
Go Media Stadium Pitch and Weather
Go Media Stadium’s pitch is typically balanced, offering early pace for batters but aiding spinners later—though less relevant for football, it suggests a true surface favoring quick passing. AccuWeather forecasts 18°C with 60% humidity and a chance of evening dew, potentially aiding Australia’s chase if New Zealand bats first. Light winds may offer minimal advantage to pacers like Naveen-ul-Haq. The 65m square boundaries demand precise crossing, favoring players like Bos and Just.
Historical Head-to-Head and Stakes
Head-to-Head Record
Australia leads New Zealand 44-8 in ‘A’ Internationals since 1923, with eight consecutive wins, including the 2023 Soccer Ashes (2-0). New Zealand’s last victory was in 2002, a 1-0 win via Ryan Nelsen. The first leg extended Australia’s unbeaten run to 10 games, with no current All White having scored against Australia in senior internationals. This history favors Australia, but New Zealand’s 2015 upset at Sheikh Zayed Stadium shows their potential.
Stakes for Both Teams
For Australia, retaining the Soccer Ashes bolsters their World Cup preparations and Popovic’s youth integration project. A loss would dent their momentum. For New Zealand, ending a 23-year winless streak against Australia and reclaiming the trophy after 102 years is a massive incentive. Both teams eye the match as a World Cup rehearsal, with Bazeley aiming to build momentum and Popovic testing his squad’s depth.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Match Prediction
Experts from Socceroos.com.au and MyFootball.com.au predict an Australian victory, citing their depth, form, and historical dominance. A 2-1 win is plausible, with Irankunda and Toure likely to score, though Wood’s threat keeps New Zealand in contention. If New Zealand wins 1-0, a penalty shootout looms, where Izzo’s form gives Australia an edge. The Opta statistic of Australia’s starting XI being the youngest since 2017 (25 years, 331 days) suggests energy but potential inexperience under pressure.
Toss Prediction
Popovic’s experience makes Australia slight favorites to win the toss, likely opting to bowl first to leverage dew and spin-friendly conditions later. If Bazeley wins, he may also choose to field, aiming to restrict Australia and chase with Wood and Rath. A 60% chance favors Australia for the toss, per MyFootball.com.au.
Betting Odds
Dafabet lists Australia at 1.50 to win, New Zealand at 6.00, and a draw at 3.75. Over 2.5 goals is at 2.10, reflecting expectations of an open game. Irankunda (2.80) and Wood (3.50) are top scorer bets.
Viewing Details and Community Buzz
How to Watch
Australian fans can watch live on Paramount+ (coverage from 4:30 PM AEST), with international viewers accessing FIFA+ Worldwide or FreeTV in the Pacific. New Zealanders can tune into TVNZ’s DUKE channel or TVNZ+. ABC Sport will broadcast live on the ABC listen app.
Fan Sentiment
X posts reflect excitement, with @FootballAUS hyping Irankunda’s start: “Team news: Irankunda, Toure start – but no Segecic?! I’m officially excited.” New Zealand fans, via @friendsoffootballnz, express hope in Wood’s form, urging, “Let’s end the drought!” The polarized sentiment underscores the rivalry’s intensity.
Conclusion
The second leg of the 2025 Soccer Ashes on September 9 at Go Media Stadium is poised to be a gripping contest. Australia’s 1-0 lead, youthful squad, and Popovic’s tactical nous make them favorites, with Irankunda, Circati, and Balard key to retaining the trophy. New Zealand, driven by Wood and a passionate home crowd, seeks a historic upset to end a century-long drought. Tactical battles, set-piece duels, and potential dew will shape the outcome, with Australia’s depth likely securing a narrow victory. As both teams prepare for the 2026 World Cup, this match is more than a trophy—it’s a statement of intent in a storied rivalry.
0 Comments