🔗 Share this article

Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.