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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Action

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

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.