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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

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

Changes in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

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

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

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Action

Despite unable to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.