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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a slow opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, featuring a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

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

During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Despite failing to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

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

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.