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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled 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.

Final Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.