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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

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

Winning Goal

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

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

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

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.