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Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Final Action

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

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.