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Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

After a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

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

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area.

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Drama

Although unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.