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How to tune into Sport NationIrankunda keeps Popa’s Socceroos’ streak alive
Nicholas Quinlan • October 11th, 2025 3:34 pm
Nestory Irankunda has continued his strong form with the national team to see the Socceroos beat Canada 1-nil on Saturday in Montreal.
This now means that Australia have remained undefeated across the 11 matches that coach Tony Popovic has been in charge for, which includes having now won their last seven.
Coming into this match, the Socceroos, who have qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup, which will be in Canada, the United States and Mexico, made only one change from their last friendly against New Zealand, with Jacob Italiano making his debut at right back in favour of Lewis Miller.
From the outset, Canada, who are coached by former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch, would generate the first couple of chances at goal.
And while the Socceroos did make chances of their own throughout the first 45 minutes, they spent most of it defending.
While the first half saw Canada have the better of the Australians, the second half would prove to be different.
Popovic would bring on Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller and Patrick Yazbek off the bench and into the action at the 57th minute, which helped change the game in the Socceroos' favour.
And that change in momentum culminated in Australia scoring in the 71st minute through Irankunda.
The left winger, who has been plying his trade at Watford this season, managed to steal the ball off Niko Sigur in the box and put the ball in the back of the net.
It is now his second goal in as many matches in the Socceroos jersey as he continues to establish himself in Popovic’s system after making it back into the squad during the last international break.
The Socceroos were able to hold out against Canada for the remaining 20 minutes of the match, which included Paul Izzo making two important saves during the last five minutes to see through.
The Socceroos’ next match will take place on Wednesday against the United States in Denver.
