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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

Following a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot high.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

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

Final Drama

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

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

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.