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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

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

When a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

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

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

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.