🔗 Share this article Irankunda Secures Victory for the Socceroos in Fiery Friendly Encounter with the Canadian side Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada. Game Breakdown Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory. NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat. Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected. During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank. Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime. Post-Interval Turnaround Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide. Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar. In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation. Decisive Moment Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area. When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal. Late Drama Despite failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves. Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle. In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result. Looking Ahead Having already qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.