🔗 Share this article

Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone.

When a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

Despite unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.