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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a slow opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

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

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Late Drama

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.