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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a brilliant effort 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

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

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

Decisive Moment

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

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

Final Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.