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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Breakdown

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

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

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

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

Decisive Goal

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

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

Final Action

Although failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.