🔗 Share this article

Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding display to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved 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, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Final Drama

Although failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.