🔗 Share this article

Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Shift

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Action

Although unable to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the next 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 next.