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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

During the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

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

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Final Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

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

In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.