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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a slow first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

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

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

Decisive Goal

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

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Final Action

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

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

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.