The teenage star Delivers Win for Australia in Heated Friendly Clash with Canada

Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Overview

After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

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 scramble in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Final Drama

Although failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.