Fri Sep 05 10:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Australia and New Zealand are facing off in the first leg of the Soccer Ashes in Canberra. Australia’s coach Tony Popovic has selected an experimental squad, including several uncapped players and the highly anticipated return of 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda, who is currently playing for Watford in England. New Zealand, led by Premier League star Chris Wood, are fielding a strong lineup. The game is being closely followed as it’s a crucial opportunity for players to prove themselves ahead of next year’s World Cup. Early in the game, New Zealand has controlled much of the ball.

**News Article:**

**Socceroos Debutants Eager to Impress as Soccer Ashes Kicks Off**

**Canberra, Australia** – The Socceroos have begun their Soccer Ashes campaign against New Zealand in Canberra, with coach Tony Popovic fielding an experimental squad brimming with potential. With World Cup qualification already secured, Popovic is using this two-match series to assess new talent ahead of next year’s tournament.

The spotlight is on 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda, fresh off a stellar start with English Championship side Watford, who is on the bench for the game. Several uncapped players are vying to make their mark, including goalkeeper Paul Izzo, the only debutant in the starting lineup, and Adrian Segecic.

New Zealand has come out strong early in the match, controlling much of the ball. Captain Chris Wood, a Premier League veteran, leads a strong All Whites lineup determined to reclaim the Soccer Ashes trophy, which Australia technically retained last year after being rediscovered after being missing for years.

The Soccer Ashes has a unique history, with the trophy containing the ashes of cigars smoked by the captains after the first match between the two nations in 1923.

This series is a crucial opportunity for players to solidify their place in the Socceroos squad as the countdown to the World Cup continues. The second leg will be played in Auckland on Tuesday.

Read More