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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

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

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

Late Drama

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.