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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third goal.

Late Action

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.