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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Final Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.