Nestory Irankunda Secures Win for the Socceroos in Intense Friendly Encounter with Canada

Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third goal.

Final Action

Despite failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.