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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made key stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

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

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Drama

Although unable to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

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

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.