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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.

Game Summary

After a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, produced several stops, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

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

As a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Late Action

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

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

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.