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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

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

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Late Action

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

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

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

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.