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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

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

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

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

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Action

Although failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.