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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Action

Although unable to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.