Nestory Irankunda Delivers Win for Australia in Heated Friendly Match with the Canadian side

Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key stops, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.