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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.