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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite unable to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.