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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Overview

After a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

In the 70th minute, 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 forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike.

Final Action

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.