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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

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Key Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

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

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Drama

Despite unable to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.