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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

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

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

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

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

Final Drama

Although unable to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.