🔗 Share this article

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a slow first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

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

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising zone.

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

Final Action

Although unable to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

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

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.