🔗 Share this article

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass 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 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area.

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Final Drama

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

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.