🔗 Share this article

Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.