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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal.

Final Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.