🔗 Share this article

Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

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

Changes in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

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

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

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

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third goal.

Final Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.