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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike.

Final Drama

Despite unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.