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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a slow opening period dominated 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 broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

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

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

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

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

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

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 game set in Colorado on Wednesday.