🔗 Share this article

Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Moment

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

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

Although unable to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.