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

Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a slow first half dominated by the Canadian team, 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 second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

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 well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike.

Late Action

Although unable to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

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

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.