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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

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

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Final Drama

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

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

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.