International friendly wrap: Aussies cruise past Tasman rivals

Australia’s next generation of player showcased its credentials with an uninspiring but assured 3-0 win over New Zealand in Adelaide.

Stars Lucas Neill, Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell were all absent Mark Schwarzer were all missing for the Socceroos, but the hosts were still able to notch up a victory thanks to a double from Josh Kennedy and a late penalty from James Troisi.

Kennedy grabbed the opener in the 10th minute, seizing on an error from New Zealand goalkeeper Glenn Moss to score from close range, and doubled his tally just shy of the hour mark when he rose highest to head home a Dario Vidosic corner.

Ben Sigmund brought down Robbie Kruse deep in injury time and Troisi was gifted the chance to open his international account, making no mistake with the spot kick.

Elsewhere, goals from Lucas Barrios and Edgar Benitez gave Paraguay a 2-0 win over Bolivia in Santa Cruz.

Uzbekistan’s horror run since the Asian Cup continued as they went down 1-0 against China.

A goal from Gao Lin in the 65th minute condemned Uzbekistan to their fifth straight loss since being bundled out of Asia’s premier competition in January.