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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key saves, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Late Drama

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

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.