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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Moment

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

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Action

Despite failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

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

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.