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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising area.

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.