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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT 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 avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, 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

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

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.