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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

Despite unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.