🔗 Share this article

Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

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

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.