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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike.

Late Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.