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Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, beating 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 deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international goal.

Final Drama

Although failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.