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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

After a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Drama

Although failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.