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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

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

Final Action

Although unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.