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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Action

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

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.