Some of the best talents from the A-League are gearing up for an international showdown, following the announcement of a two-match series between Australia and New Zealand scheduled for September.
The Socceroos will face the All Whites at GIO Stadium in Canberra on September 5, before travelling across the Tasman to compete again on September 9 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.
Both teams will be vying for the historic ANZAC Soccer Ashes trophy, which was rediscovered earlier in 2023.
Originally established in 1923, this trophy was lost for many years and embodies the spirit of ANZAC. Australia and New Zealand first clashed on June 17, 1922, marking Australia’s inaugural A international.
The trophy, crafted from a blend of New Zealand honeysuckle and Australian maple, contains the ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain George Campbell following their first encounter on Australian soil in June 1923.
The Socceroos currently hold the Soccer Ashes, having secured a 2-0 victory against the All Whites in Brentford in 2023.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Subway Socceroos back to Canberra for what promises to be a memorable event for football fans in the region. The local community has consistently demonstrated their passion and support for our national teams,” said Football Australia Interim CEO Heather Garriock.
“The Soccer Ashes exemplifies the enduring connection between Australia and New Zealand and celebrates our mutual love for football. We’re excited for fans in the nation’s capital to partake in another chapter of the rich history shared between our two nations on the field.
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“We also want to recognise the ACT Government for their support of our recent events in Canberra. Their commitment to backing our national teams and bringing top-tier football to the capital is greatly appreciated, and we value their ongoing partnership.
“We eagerly anticipate welcoming New Zealand to Canberra before heading across the Tasman for the second match, which will provide an excellent opportunity for Tony and his staff as we commence our preparations for the FIFA World Cup 26™.”
As an added highlight, both nations have already secured their spots at next year’s FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
This will mark only the second time that both countries will feature in the same edition of the prestigious tournament, the previous instance being in 2010.
This upcoming match could see several A-League stars going head-to-head.
The New Zealand squad that achieved World Cup qualification included 11 A-League players: Kosta Barbarouses, Alex Paulsen (now no longer with Auckland FC), Tim Payne, Nando Pijnaker, Jesse Randall, Logan Roberson, Storm Roux, Alex Rufer, Eli Sail, Tommy Smith, and Francis De Vries.
On the other hand, Tony Popovic’s latest Socceroos squad featured nine A-League stars: Aziz Behich, Kasey Boy (who has since left Melbourne Victory), Kai Trewin, Anthony Caceres, Ryan Teague, Daniel Arzani (also departed from Melbourne Victory), Brandon Borrello, Adam Taggart, and Marco Tilio (who has moved on from Melbourne City).
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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