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Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several stops, including a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

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

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising area.

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Drama

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

Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.