🔗 Share this article

Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Drama

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

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.