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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian defense stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

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

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

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international strike.

Final Drama

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

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.