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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.