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Promising prodigy 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 Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Drama

Although failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.