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Promising talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

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

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

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

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado next.