🔗 Share this article

Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

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

Decisive Goal

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

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

Late Drama

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.