Tony Popovic expects more confident Socceroos in second clash with New Zealand

Australia’s Nestory Irankunda came off the bench in Canberra and helped change the course of the game for the Socceroos against New Zealand. Photograph: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has called for his side to play with more “confidence and belief” but is no certainty to back his most dynamic young talents from the start in their second friendly against New Zealand.

Australia had trouble breaking down New Zealand in the first match of the “Soccer Ashes” double-header until injecting the youthful energy of substitutes Nestory Irankunda, Mohamed Toure and Max Balard in Canberra on Friday night.