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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a dull first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

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

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international goal.

Late Action

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

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.