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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half 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 skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Shift

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Final Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.