🔗 Share this article Irankunda Delivers Victory for Australia in Intense Friendly Clash with the Canadian side Promising talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada. Fixture Breakdown After a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute. Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made key stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked. During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break. Post-Interval Improvement Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high. During the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger. Winning Moment Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area. As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal. Late Drama Despite failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics. Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle. During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win. Next Steps With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.