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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Overview

Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

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

Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

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

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

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

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

Final Drama

Although unable to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

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

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

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.