🔗 Share this article

Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected 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.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

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

Decisive Moment

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

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

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.