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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Breakdown

After a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the arrival 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 ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

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

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.

As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Late Drama

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

Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.