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Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Match Summary

After a dull first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading 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 capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Decisive Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

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

Final Drama

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

Emotions flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Next Steps

Having now 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 fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.