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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

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

Decisive Goal

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

When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.