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Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made key saves, featuring a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Changes in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a scramble in the box, 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 promising area.

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

Late Drama

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

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

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

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.