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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Final Action

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

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.