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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

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

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone.

When a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Action

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.