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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

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

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

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

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Action

Although failing to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.