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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising area.

When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

Despite unable to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

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 scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.