The Futsalroos have kicked off their Commonwealth Cup campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over New Zealand in Wellington on Friday afternoon.
The clash doubled as the third and final match of the Trans-Tasman Cup, with Australia convincing winners in the opening two encounters.
Daniel Fogarty’s early goal gave the Aussies the perfect start in game three before Wade Giovenali netted just after the break to put the Futsalroos in control.
But New Zealand fought back and restored parity with quick-fire goals to Josh Margetts and Ashby Peckham midway through the second stranza.
But Fogarty’s clinical finish – his second for the game – with five minutes remaining broke the deadlock and handed the Aussies a hard-earned victory.
Australia faces Vanuatu in the second match of the Commonwealth Cup on Saturday before tackling Malaysia in their final match on Sunday.