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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

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

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

Late Drama

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

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

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.