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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

After a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding 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, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Action

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.