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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly 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 possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

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

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

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

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.