Irankunda Secures Win for the Socceroos in Fiery Exhibition Encounter with the Canadian side

Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

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

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.