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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Late Action

Despite failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

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

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

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.