🔗 Share this article

Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

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

Decisive Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Final Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.