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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

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

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

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone.

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Although unable to add a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.