The teenage star Delivers Victory for the Socceroos in Intense Friendly Clash with Canada

Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes 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 wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Final Action

Despite failing to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.