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

Match Breakdown

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Late Action

Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.