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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Final Action

Despite unable to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

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

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.