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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Final Drama

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

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

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.