‘It was a pretty tough one to not go in’
Australia's teenage sensation Garang Kuol became the youngest player since Brazilian great Pele to feature in the World Cup's knockout stages. And, very nearly, he became the youngest to score since him in 1958.
Qatar was an eye-opening experience the 18-year-old, set to join Premier League side Newcastle United. Sent into battle in the 72nd minute against Lionel Messi and Co, Kuol had only five touches but very nearly had the decisive one, turning and shooting deep in injury time with a shot that forced a terrific save from Emi Martinez.
"It was pretty close. It was a pretty tough one to not go in, and a good save," he said. "I didn't really see much of [it] ... I was turning around and just tried to shoot but on the replay, I could see the keeper rushed out. I think it's just a learning curve.
"I was telling myself that I'd come on and score a goal, and Arnie was telling me to come on and do the same thingWhen I wasn't able to score I was very disappointed, but you sort of move on."
Kuol also insisted that Asian teams and those from other continents drastically overestimate the gap between themselves and the top nations.
"People think that [players] in Europe can fly or something. But we're all humans, we're all on two feet. I think the sport in Australia keeps growing, and it keeps producing better and better players as time goes by. In the future, you'll see a team that's at the same level as Argentina and Brazil."
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