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Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Final Action

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

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.