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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Final Action

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

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

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.