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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

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

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

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Drama

Despite unable to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.