🔗 Share this article

Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Final Action

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.