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Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life 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 skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving 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 setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Late Drama

Although failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.