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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Overview

After a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Late Drama

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

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.