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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to guide the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

After a dull first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

During the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

When a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

With now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.