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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a dull first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

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

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Action

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.