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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Action

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.