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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Drama

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

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.