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Young talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Late Action

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.