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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half 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 skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

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

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Late Drama

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

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.