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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

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

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Late Drama

Although unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.