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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising zone.

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

Late Action

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

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.