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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.