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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

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

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Late Drama

Despite unable to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.