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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

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Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

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

Decisive Moment

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

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

Late Action

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.