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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a uneventful first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Moment

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

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international goal.

Final Drama

Despite unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.