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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

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

Substitutions in the second half brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

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

Winning Moment

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

When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third goal.

Final Action

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

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.