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Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES 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 challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

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

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.