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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved 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.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the second half injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

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

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Action

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

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.