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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Final Action

Although failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.