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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Summary

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

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

Changes in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Final Action

Despite failing to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

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

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.