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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, featuring a spectacular 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 Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

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

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

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Final Drama

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

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

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.