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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.