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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.