Irankunda Delivers Win for the Socceroos in Fiery Friendly Clash with the Canadian side

Young sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.