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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian defense held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

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

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

Winning Moment

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

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

Final Action

Although failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

With 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 USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.