🔗 Share this article

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising zone.

As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

With now 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 United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.