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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

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

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Drama

Although unable to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.