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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

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

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Drama

Despite unable to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.