Teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda scored his second goal in two matches as the Socceroos secured a fiery 1-0 victory over Canada in Montreal. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo also starred with a series of crucial saves, including a world-class stop in the 90th minute to deny Jacob Shaffelburg.
After a dour first half dominated by Canada, Australia came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller and Patrick Yazbek. The breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Connor Metcalfe released Mohamed Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area. As Canada defender Nico Sigur dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international goal.
Tempers flared late in the match, and Irankunda received a yellow card amid an injury-time scuffle. Coach Tony Popovic substituted the 19-year-old shortly after but embraced him warmly. 'That's something more for me and him that we shared,' Popovic said. 'I'm just proud of his contribution. He's a young man that has so much growth to come.'
Izzo, who started ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves to secure Australia's seventh-straight win. 'He's stepping up,' Popovic said of Izzo. The Socceroos are now unbeaten in their 11 matches under Popovic.
Australia had just one shot to Canada's seven at half-time but improved after the break. The victory continues their preparation for next year's World Cup, with a friendly against the United States in Denver next.
