Australia's Nestory Irankunda (14) celebrates after scoring during second half international friendly against Canada, in Montreal, on Friday.Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
The Canadian men’s soccer team played their first game in Montreal since 2017, but it was not the expected homecoming, losing 1-0 to Australia on Friday night at Stade Saputo.
Nestory Irankunda’s winner extended Australia’s unbeaten run to 12 games, having lost just once since March 21, 2024
The game only needed three minutes for controversy to rear its head. Tajon Buchanan got on the end of a ball in behind the Australian back line and was taken down in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.
As play continued, Australia dropped into an extremely conservative 5-4-1 formation, getting as many players behind the ball as possible. They challenged Canada to break down a particularly resolute low block and managed to frustrate Canada while conceding large amounts of possession.
The 30-minute mark brought the first clear cut chance as Ismael Kone took off on a mazey run through the Australian defence. After a sudden deflection, the ball was headed for the bottom corner but was cleared off the line by Paul Izzo.
Australia's Kye Rowles (4) and Canada's Ismael Kone (8) vie for the ball.Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney and President of FIFA Gianni Infantino attend the match.Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images
Just after the 60-minute mark, Australia had the best chance of the game to find the opening goal. A swift move across the pitch and some impressive passing left Alessandro Circati alone in front of goal, but his shot was sent over the bar.
In the last 20 minutes, the game opened up significantly as both teams looked for a potential winner and began trading scoring opportunities.
Australia capitalized in the 71st minute, stretching the field and catching Nico Sigur in possession after a strong press. With Sigur’s back turned, Irankunda’s sliding tackle knocked the ball past Maxime Crepeau and gave the visitors a surprise lead against the run of play.
While Canada had several good looks at goal in the closing stages of the game, they were unable to find the breakthrough needed to equalize.
The best opportunity came at the stroke of 90 minutes when a cross from Liam Millar found a wide open Jacob Shaffelburg who sent the point blank shot into a sprawling Izzo.
UP NEXT
Camada: Will head to New Jersey on Oct. 14 to play 13th-ranked Colombia.
Australia: Will face the United States on Oct. 14 in Colorado.