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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Final Action

Despite unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.