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Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Overview

After a uneventful first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted high.

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Moment

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Action

Despite unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.