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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.