The teenage star Secures Triumph for the Socceroos in Fiery Friendly Match with Canada

Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Late Drama

Although unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.