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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Overview

After a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

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

Late Action

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

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.