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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored 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.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos 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 area.

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

Late Drama

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

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.