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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, including a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

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

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Late Action

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.