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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

After a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading 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 capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

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

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Late Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

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