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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm 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 ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

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

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Final Action

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

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.