Nestory Irankunda Delivers Triumph for Australia in Fiery Exhibition Encounter with Canada
Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.
Game Breakdown
After a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.
Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.
NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥
🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺
Key Actions
- In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
- Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
- During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
- Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.
Second Half Turnaround
Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.
Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.
Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.
During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.
Winning Goal
Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone.
As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.
Final Action
Although failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.
Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.
In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.
Looking Ahead
Having now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.
