🔗 Share this article

Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Drama

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.