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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a uneventful first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

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

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

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

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Final Drama

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

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

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.