Brett Holman strikes late for Australia against New Zealand

Australia began their final preparations for the World Cup with a 2-1 win over New Zealand, although the Socceroos needed Brett Holman's late winner four minutes into stoppage time to secure victory in Melbourne. The late goal was a cruel blow to the All Whites, who had much the better of the game and took the lead in the first half through Chris Killen, the Middlesbrough striker. The Australia manager, Pim Verbeek, made a host of changes at half-time and was rewarded with an improved performance from the home side. Dario Vidosic capitalised on a cruel deflection off Killen to steer the ball into the corner of the net for an equaliser in the 57th minute, but Brad Jones made a brilliant save in the 69th minute, parrying a Rory Fallon header from close range to deny New Zealand a second goal. And four into time added on, Holman grabbed the winner after receiving a deft chip in the box from Carl Valeri. The Sydney Morning Herald's assessment of Verbeek's side's performance was damning: "Never will the Socceroos snatch a later, or less deserved, victory than their 2-1 defeat of a brave New Zealand at the MCG tonight. But heaven help them in South Africa if this is where they're at three weeks out from the World Cup."