🔗 Share this article

Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

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

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Late Drama

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

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.