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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone.

When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

Despite unable to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

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

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.