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.

Th

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