🔗 Share this article

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Summary

After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

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

Late Drama

Although unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.