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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already 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 game scheduled in Colorado next.