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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

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

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Late Action

Despite unable to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.