Teenager Garang Kuol impressed off the bench as Australia edged past New Zealand with two second-half strikes.
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 ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
The Socceroos beat New Zealand 1-0 in Brisbane on Thursday to triumph again at Eden Park despite fielding a completely different starting XI that netted twice in the second half.
New Zealand were arguably the better team in the first half with a handful of half-chances but lost star forward Chris Wood in the 32nd minute to an apparent rib injury.
Marco Tilio inexplicably squandered a golden opportunity early in the half with Duke’s cutback before the Japan striker headed home Connor Metcalfe’s cross in the 54th minute.
The home side took a breather in the 68th minute when Harrison Delbridge converted possession in the danger area, but substitute Alexander Greive fired straight at Australia goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.
Exciting Socceroos teenager Garang Kuol made his debut as a substitute and burst forward to set up a chance for Riley McGree, who was saved from Cummings’ rebound which was caught by Liberato Cacace, leading to a penalty for Australia.
Scotland-born Cummings came on and converted an 81st-minute free-kick to secure victory in Australia’s final game before announcing his World Cup squad.
