Max Balard enjoyed a dream debut for the Socceroos, scoring the winning goal just two minutes after coming on as a substitute in a 1-0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Canberra.
The experimental Australian side, missing most of their regular starters, struggled to break down the All Whites until the final quarter of an hour. Manager Tony Popovic introduced youthful substitutes Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure, and Balard, which sparked the team into life.
Toure set up Balard for the 87th-minute winner, with the former Central Coast Mariners midfielder, now at NAC Breda, scoring on his first cap. The win extended Popovic's unbeaten start as Socceroos boss to nine games.
Jordan Bos was a standout performer, looking assured as a left-sided wingback and causing problems for the New Zealand defence. Debutant goalkeeper Paul Izzo also impressed, making key saves to deny Chris Wood in the first half.
