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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Summary

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

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• 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 dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

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

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

Final Action

Despite unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.