Canada vs Australia Nestory Irankunda stars against Canada, Aussies unbeaten in 11 games under Popovic.
Teenage sensation Nestori Irankunda continued his impressive form for the Socceroos, scoring another goal to give Australia a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada in Montreal.
Watford star Irankunda, who scored in last month’s 3-1 victory over New Zealand, struck again for the Socceroos at Stade Saputo, extending Tony Popovic’s unbeaten run as Australia coach to 11 matches.
The former Adelaide United winger stunned Canadian defender Nico Sigur at the far post with a sliding first-time finish from Mohamed Touré’s cross in the 71st minute.
The Socceroos then withstood some late attacks from the Canadian team, with goalkeeper Paul Izzo, who replaced Matt Ryan, making some crucial saves, including a precise effort to deny substitute Jacob Everett in the 90th minute.
The anger that had been brewing during the match threatened to escalate in the final moments when Popovic sent Irankunda off the field in extra time after a scuffle with Canadian players.
However, Irankunda once again performed admirably for the Socceroos, who defended with composure and determination.
Canada dominated possession in the first half, and the pressure caused the Socceroos to repeatedly let the ball slip.
Izzo was undoubtedly the busier of the two goalkeepers.
The Danish goalkeeper made a desperate save to prevent an own goal by defender Kaye Rawls in the 35th minute.
Seven minutes later, Izzo was again called upon to contain the impressive Tajon Buchanan, who had been a constant attacking threat for the hosts in the first half, but his impact diminished after halftime.
The Socceroos started the second half more aggressively, with Irankunda twice pushing past the Canadian defense and then passing the ball to Toure, who failed to capitalize on good scoring opportunities on both occasions.
Captain Alessandro Cercati also had a great chance to score in the 61st minute when substitute Patrick Yazbek collected the ball with a backheel.
However, the central defender’s shot went over the crossbar.
Austrian right-back Jakub Italiano, a late addition to the squad following the withdrawal of Fran Karasic, was given his Socceroos debut and was preferred to Blackburn’s Lewis Miller in the starting lineup.
Popovic said of the former Perth Glory star, “He’s come into the team, he’s done very well in training, and he’s settled in very quickly, so I felt he deserved a chance.”
Continuing to Play
Despite the return of regular first-choice goalkeeper Ryan, who was not selected for the “Soccer Ashes” series against New Zealand last month, Izzo retained his place between the posts for the Socceroos.
“In the last camp, Matty wasn’t there; either Paul or Joey Gauci were playing,” Popovic told Paramount+.
“I just wanted Paul to get a feel for playing with Matty Ryan this time, and it’s a bit different psychologically as well.
“I think he deserves another chance to show us what he can do away from home, against a tough opponent, in tough conditions, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he handles that.”
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