Mitch Duke and debutant Jason Cummings scored as Australia beat New Zealand 2-0 in Auckland on Sunday to secure back-to-back wins over the All Whites beforehand of the 2022 World Cup.
The Socceroos had crushed New Zealand 1-0 in Brisbane on Thursday and triumphed once more at Eden Park regardless of fielding an entirely unique starting XI, netting twice in the 2nd half.
New Zealand arguably have been the better aspect in the first half of with a handful of half of chances, however lost star striker Chris Wood to an obvious rib damage in the 32nd minute.
Marco Tilio inexplicably missed a golden possibility on the stroke of half-time from Duke’s cutback before the Japan-based ahead headed in Connor Metcalfe’s pass in the 54th minute.
The hosts had a sniff in the 68th minute when Harrison Delbridge turned over possession in a hazardous area however substitute Alexander Greive fired straight at Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
Exciting Socceroos teen Garang Kuol made his debut as a substitute and burst ahead to set up Riley McGree’s chance, which was once saved before Cummings’ rebound was handballed by using Liberato Cacace, ensuing in an Australia penalty.
Scotland-born Cummings stepped up and transformed the 81st-minute spotkick to secure the win in Australia’s last game earlier than announcing their World Cup squad.
