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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

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

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

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

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

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