The teenage star Earns Triumph for Australia in Heated Friendly Clash with the Canadian side

Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a slow opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Final Drama

Although failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.