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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Improvement

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.