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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm 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, made multiple saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international strike.

Final Action

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

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

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.