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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third goal.

Final Drama

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

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

With now 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 game set in Colorado next.