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Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike.

Late Action

Although unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.