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

Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

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

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.