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Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a dull opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US 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 avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

During the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

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

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.