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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Summary

After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

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

Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.