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Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Turnaround

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

Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

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

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

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

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.