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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

After a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the introduction 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, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third goal.

Final Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.