🔗 Share this article

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a uneventful first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Action

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.