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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding display to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side 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 second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international goal.

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.