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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

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

Winning Moment

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

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

Late Drama

Despite unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.