- Scored the only goal of the match in friendly
Teen sensation Nestory Irankunda has scored his second goal in two matches, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo starred to deliver the Socceroos a fiery 1-0 win over Canada.
Having already qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against hosts Canada and the United States, whom they play in Colorado on Wednesday.
After surviving a dour first half on Friday (local time) dominated by Canada, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller and Patrick Yazbek, while Watford star Irankunda netted in the 71st minute.
Randers goalkeeper Izzo, who started ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, to secure Australia’s seventh-straight win.
After Irankunda and Mohamed Toure starred against New Zealand, they vindicated Popovic’s decision to start them at Montreal’s Stade Saputo.
The Socceroos are now unbeaten in their 11 matches under Popovic.
Australia’s Nestory Irankunda celebrates after scoring against Canada in their friendly in Quebec
The Socceroos celebrate another result in their 11-match unbeaten run under Popovic
In just the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box but the excellent Alessandro Circati, again given the captain’s armband, slid in with a perfectly timed tackle to clear it to safety.
Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and cut back to Max Balard, who had a shot blocked.
Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to get on the ball or to keep possession.
Buchanan caused makeshift left wing-back Rowles plenty of issues down the right flank.
But otherwise world No.26 Canada struggled to break down the Socceroos’ organised defence, or Izzo.
Australia had just one shot to Canada’s seven at the break but came out of the break with more energy and impetus.
Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball into the near post, where Toure scuffed his shot.
The introduction of Bos and Miller in the 57th minute delivered immediate energy.
The Australian side has found grit and ways to win ugly under new coach and former Socceroo Tony Popovic
In the 59th minute, Irankunda pounced on a deflected Canada pass, burst forward and picked out Toure, who shot off target.
Then, Miller put a lovely ball in for Yazbek, who backheeled towards Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.
The ball pinballed around the Socceroos’ defensive area in the 70th minute before they cleared it to safety.
Then, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.
As Canada defender Nico Sigur dithered in taking possession, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international goal.
The Socceroos couldn’t find a second goal and Izzo came to their rescue late.
Tempers flared and Popovic substituted Irankunda when the youngster got a yellow card amid an injury-time scuffle.
In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos’ defence and Izzo held firm.
