🔗 Share this article

Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a dull first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

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

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

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Drama

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.