Match Report
The Commbank Socceroos produced a hard-fought display to down Canada 1-0 on Saturday morning (AEDT).
Canada dominated possession for most of the game, but Australia remained resolute and kept their opponents scoreless, courtesy of a goalkeeping masterclass from Paul Izzo.
Nestory Irankunda snatched the winning goal in the second half to extend Australia’s unbeaten run to eleven matches under Tony Popovic and secure a seventh straight win.
The hosts made a purposeful start to the match, holding possession high up and getting into the Aussies’ box.
Canada conjured up a shooting chance 12 minutes in as Socceroos captain Alessandro Circati’s clearance came out to Nathan Saliba, whose dipping volley fell wide of the left post.
Australia were ready to pounce on the counter with Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe, and Mohamed Toure looking to combine up front.
In the 17th minute, the side won a free-kick on the right, where Metcalfe whipped a vicious in-swinging effort that Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had to punch away.
Canada continued to probe, and in the 24th minute, Saliba tried his luck again, this time from further out, but the ball sailed over.
Over the next 10 minutes, Izzo was called into action twice to deny promising moves for the home side.
In the 42nd minute, the constant threat of Tajon Buchanan latched onto a ball into the right of the box and forced Izzo into a low save.
Australia survived Canada’s first-half surge to head into half-time level.
The Socceroos fought back at the start of the second half, as the team got into some promising positions.
