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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

After a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

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

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Action

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

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

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

Next Steps

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