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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

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

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area.

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike.

Final Action

Although unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.