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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a dull 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.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, 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 promising area.

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Late Action

Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

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