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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

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

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Action

Although unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a fracas.

In a spiteful conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With already qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.