Debutant Max Balard scored just two minutes after coming on to secure the Socceroos a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Canberra on Friday night.

The former Central Coast Mariners star, who now plays his club football for Dutch club NAC Breda, netted in the 87th minute after being fed by fellow substitute Mohamed Toure.

The goal was a great reward for Balard, with many believing that the 24-year-old midfielder should not have had to wait as long as he did for his Socceroos debut.

However, with next year’s FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Balard has now made his mark in the battle for places in Australia’s line-up.

“It’s electric,” Balard told Network 10.

“It’s a very special moment for me and my family, especially my parents. They’ve sacrificed a lot so I’m really happy I managed to score on

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