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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

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

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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 shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Drama

Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During 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 next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.