"MONTRÉAL, Canada -- Back when he was Melbourne Victory coach, Tony Popovic once described the chance to play the role of villain and ruin an opponent's fairytale as beautiful. If he still feels the same way as Socceroos boss, then Friday evening's 1-0 win over Canada might have been one of the most magnificent victories that he's been a part of. Canada's meeting with Australia at Montréal's Stade Saputo was supposed to be a homecoming and a celebration."
"Montréal expected a party. Instead, they got 60% of the ball, 17 shots to five, eight shots on target to one, and a 1-0 loss. They got Mohamed Toure registering his fourth goal involvement in three games when he sent in a cross that initially appeared set to be cleared by Niko Sigur, only for Nestory Irankunda to pounce and send a tackle-cum-shot into the back of the net for his second international goal in as many games."
Australia defeated Canada 1-0 at Stade Saputo in Montréal, denying the hosts a celebratory return and homecoming. Canada controlled possession and outshot Australia, but conceded when Mohamed Toure's cross allowed Nestory Irankunda to pounce and convert a tackle-cum-shot for his second international goal in consecutive games. Canada’s goalkeeper Paul Izzo made eight saves, setting a national record and challenging the Socceroos' No. 1 position. The result extended Australia's winning streak to seven matches and their unbeaten run to 11, placing them alongside elite national teams with similar runs.
Read at ESPN.com
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