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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

After a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

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

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Final Action

Despite unable to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.