🔗 Share this article

Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite unable to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.