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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a slow opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm 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, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

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

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

Late Drama

Although failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

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

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

Next Steps

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.