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**All Whites Aim to End 23-Year Soccer Ashes Drought Against Australia**

**Canberra, Australia** – The New Zealand All Whites are determined to reclaim the Soccer Ashes from trans-Tasman rivals Australia after a 23-year drought, according to Head Coach Darren Bazeley. Speaking in Canberra ahead of Friday’s first match of the two-game series, Bazeley emphasized the importance of the rivalry and the team’s desire to bring the trophy home.

“We definitely talk about playing Australia,” Bazeley stated. “Any game New Zealand plays against Australia, the rivalry is there. It’s going to be competitive.” Midfielder Joe Bell echoed this sentiment, stating, “It’s a rivalry that’s ingrained into every Kiwi. This game’s got many dimensions to it, but beating the Aussies is huge.”

The All Whites face the Socceroos in Canberra on Friday, September 5th, followed by the second leg in Auckland on Tuesday, September 9th. To win the Soccer Ashes, New Zealand must win the series on aggregate score. A penalty shootout in Auckland will decide the trophy if the aggregate remains level.

The Soccer Ashes trophy contains ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain George Campbell following the first meeting between the two nations in Australia in June 1923. New Zealand last won the trophy in 1923, with Australia holding it ever since. The All Whites have not defeated Australia since 2002, when they won 1-0 in the Oceania Nations Cup final. Since then, they have lost all seven encounters.

Australia has a strong home record in Canberra, winning five of six matches and averaging 3.8 goals per game. They also enter Friday’s match on an eight-game unbeaten run. Historically, Australia has dominated the head-to-head record with 41 wins compared to New Zealand’s 13, with 11 draws.

Despite the historical challenges, the All Whites enter the series with renewed confidence, holding their highest FIFA world ranking (#82) in 12 years. Unfortunately, midfielder Marko Stamenić has withdrawn from the squad due to injury. The Socceroos have also experienced a late change, with Fran Karacic out due to injury and replaced by Jack Iredale.

Fans can watch the series live on TVNZ and FIFA+.
**Important Updates:**
* **Injury:** Midfielder Marko Stamenić is out for New Zealand. Fran Karacic out for Australia.

**Match Details:**

* **Game 1:** Friday, September 5th, 9:45 PM (NZT) – GIO Stadium, Canberra
* **Game 2:** Tuesday, September 9th, 7:00 PM (NZT) – Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland

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