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Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

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

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Action

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

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

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