New Zealand was the better side in a lacklustre encounter in cold Canberra, dominating the first 75 minutes. But a series of late substitutions swung the game in Australia's favour with Balard's strike inside the box banking the win.

"It's electric. Very special moment for me and my family," said Balard, who plays for Dutch clubÂ NAC Breda. "Very happy to score on my debut. Means the world to me." The two sides are playing for the so-called Soccer Ashes, which will be determined by aggregate score across two fixtures with the second leg in Auckland next week.

While only friendlies, the results of the games will influence both teams' positions in the next FIFA rankings, which will decide the pots they go into for the World Cup draw in December. Australia are into their sixth consecutive World Cup, and seventh overall, while New Zealand have qualified for only the third time and first since 2010.

New Zealand haven't beaten the Socceroos since 2002 but dominated much of the game. Sarpreet Singh went close from distance and Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was denied by Australia goalkeeper Paul Izzo. Izzo again pulled off a fine save from Woods just before the break with New Zealand dictating the first-half.

The visitors pulled the strings in the second-half, but few opportunities presented themselves. Popovic's substitutions created the spark Australia desperately needed, with Watford winger Nestory Irankunda threatening before Balard hit the target two minutes after coming on.

Max Balard

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