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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.