🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Secures Win for the Socceroos in Fiery Friendly Encounter with the Canadian side Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada. Fixture Breakdown Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Moments In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger. Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected. Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break. Second Half Shift Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Changes in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target. Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar. In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger. Decisive Goal Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone. As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third goal. Late Drama Despite unable to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle. During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result. Next Steps Having now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.