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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Breakdown

After a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired wide.

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

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

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

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

Final Action

Although failing to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.