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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike.

Late Action

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.